International trade is usually good for all nations involved. Sometimes countries are pressured into it and sometimes trade or the restriction of it has led to wars. In general though, it has actually done much to help preserve peace in the world
It is very complex. There are many factors: politics, policies, budgets, currencies, interest rates, etc. However, fairness is not one of them. The objective is advantage. Trade is a fast and flexible process which is why it always gets re-negotiated. When the North American Free Trade Act was formed, it was viewed as a great opportunity for all three nations. It was highly praised. No one suggested, as has the President, that it was the worst agreement ever. Certainly not President Reagan or President Bush who both promoted it. Unfortunately, trade can often lead to domestic job losses as it did here.
Historically, we have benefited greatly from trade. Grocery produce was an early gift. There was an increase in diversity and quality along with lower prices. However, due to the embargo on Cuba, Americans have paid significantly higher sugar prices for decades.
There was a dramatic increase in the reliability of autos with trade. Honda and Toyota became preeminent vehicles on our roads. However, the increase in the reliability of foreign manufactured motorcycles was too much for Harley Davidson. As a result, that quality needed to be punished with severe tariffs against Japan.
Early on, Walmart began a very ambitious expansion. It focused its promotion on “Buy American”. Everything was supposedly made in the United States. There were a lot of American flags hanging outside the stores and “Made In America” posters inside. It was a very effective marketing campaign. Somewhere along the way, there was a shift offshore.
Wall Street celebrated while small business in small town America was destroyed and consumers cheered for lower prices. If there was anything unfair, it may be that there was no notice of the new campaign. There were no Chinese flags outside and no “Buy Chinese” posters inside even though that is what was going on.