Is the American workforce equipped to compete on a global basis?

Yes, with a big however.

We generally are equipped to compete and have been doing so for the last decade.

However, we face several major roadblocks.

First, our cost base is a big impediment. Based on the law of comparative economic advantage, it is next to impossible to compete when our cost basis is 2X to 3X higher and product quality is relatively the same. I recently attempted to have a product manufactured in here but, based on production costs, the product cost 2.5X more than having it produced overseas(Asia) for similar product quality.

Second, it depends on the industry and product.Basic products and services such as commodities will always go to the lowest cost producer. We are very competitive with value added products and services, that are difficult to reproduce.

Third, it is next to impossible to compete where governments underwrite or subsidize businesses in order to keep costs and prices below market. This creates unfair and artificial trade barriers.

Fourth, our government has no cohesive international trade goals and policies and does little to assist us to become more competitive. Our government also does little to enforce and pursue unfair international trade violations. We don't aggressively enforce tariffs, quotas, and import duties.

Until we craft a cohesive international trade program, we create more highly value added products and services that are difficult to reproduce, and our basic cost structure is better aligned with the international community, we will be at a big disadvantage.

The bright spot is that many individual organizations are getting very creative and are highly successful.

We have to find our comparative economic advantages and aggressively exploit them