Umm what????
China has cut their average tariffs by 4x since 1995 when it was near 40% and they formally requested to join the WTO. Their protectionism is what kept them from growing despite huge population, which is why you see a huge leap after that year.
China has cut their average tariffs by 4x since 1995 when it was near 40% and they formally requested to join the WTO. Their protectionism is what kept them from growing despite huge population, which is why you see a huge leap after that year.
Pretty much every country has moved away from protectionism over time. Some countries started with a much higher baseline, but protectionist policies have never led to more growth. It would defy logic.
P.s China’s GDP per capita is still relatively low.
P.s China’s GDP per capita is still relatively low.
Here is a chart of China’s average tariff rates by year. Worth noting that their average overall is much higher than their average with the U.S. 
Here is a chart showing pretty much everyone has moved in the direction of lowering trade barriers and away from protectionism. That’s what led to the huge increase in growth rates.
