I speak from first-hand experience and also from East Asian experience (Japan, South Korea ...). Joe Studwell explains this well.
goodreads.com/work/quotes/21…
Globalization has created precisely that problem.
Crucial part of balancing trade is to develop enough domestic know-how so we can trade as a free people.
If we don't know how, I say "Let's start at zero and learn how" and it is amazing how far that attitude can take us.
Obstacles melt away when you have that focus. Inspired minds can do wonders - starting at zero!