Final answer:
International trade by American businesses affects jobs and wages in complex ways, potentially generating jobs in some sectors while displacing them in others. It also has varying impacts on wages, with some industries witnessing wage growth and others possibly facing pressure. Overall, trade doesn't essentially reduce the total number of jobs, but redistributes employment across different sectors.
Step-by-step explanation:
When American businesses sell goods to other countries, it influences the job market in complex ways. The impact on jobs created for Americans can vary, and international trade doesn't necessarily lead to a straightforward increase or decrease in jobs. Instead, trade can redistribute employment among sectors and may lead to job creation in export-oriented industries while possibly causing job displacement in sectors that compete with imports.
Trade and wages are also connected. It is crucial to distinguish the impact on average wage levels from the effect on wages of specific groups of workers. Trade may benefit workers in competitive industries with higher wages but might also place downward pressure on wages in industries exposed to import competition. Ultimately, the effect of trade on employment is subject to a variety of factors, including trade policies, the nature of the industries involved, and the overall state of the economy.
Concerns about the negative effects of imported products are often expressed through slogans like "Buy American Save U.S. Jobs." However, economists might argue that blocking imports could save jobs for some Americans, lead to job losses for others, and potentially result in consumers paying higher prices. Therefore, while international trade can shift employment patterns, it does not necessarily lead to a net decrease in the total number of jobs. The interaction between trade, job creation, and wages is a nuanced topic that requires a comprehensive analysis.