Conclusion, May 6 -- The U.S. government's debt-to-GDP ratio has ballooned over the past decade, rising from roughly 100% in 2013 to nearly 124% by 2024, according to the Office of Management and Budget. Confronted with this mounting debt, Washington has responded with a bold but risky strategy: aggressive tariffs and reshoring of manufacturing. While this may address short-term imbalances, it risks weakening America's economic leadership and global credibility.

A more strategic, patient alternative remains available-if the U.S. is willing to course-correct.

The Road to Debt: From Factories to Trade Deficits Over the past 40 years, the U.S. has transitioned from an industrial to a consumption-driven economy. Manufacturing, which contrib...