美国经济繁荣的“秘密武器”正被特朗普亲手摧毁！

Core Viewpoint - The article argues that misconceptions about trade deficits are shaping U.S. economic policy, particularly under Trump's administration, which could threaten U.S. prosperity and the international order [1][2]. Group 1: Trade Deficits and Economic Impact - The U.S. accumulated a current account deficit of $14.4 trillion from 2000 to 2024, which appears unsustainable, yet the net financial income only decreased by $190 billion during the same period, indicating a hidden strength in U.S. value creation through intangible assets [2][3]. - In 2024, the U.S. goods trade deficit is projected to reach $1.2 trillion, but a services trade surplus of $295 billion and significant sales from U.S. subsidiaries abroad (totaling $2.1 trillion) nearly offset this deficit, resulting in a net services surplus of $895 billion [2][3]. Group 2: Intangible Assets and Economic Structure - The actual amount "borrowed" by the U.S. is estimated at $28 trillion, with half used for domestic consumption and the other half for foreign direct investment, highlighting the unique way U.S. companies leverage capital with intangible assets to achieve higher returns [3][4]. - The concept of "dark matter," introduced by the author, refers to the unquantifiable value of knowledge assets that traditional statistics fail to capture, which has allowed the U.S. to maintain trade deficits without facing typical economic repercussions [3][4]. Group 3: Geopolitical Consequences - Trump's trade policies threaten the established global trade and investment principles, which could lead to reduced intellectual property protections and increased taxation on U.S. tech, pharmaceutical, and entertainment sectors, potentially depleting the income that offsets the current account deficit [4]. - The shift towards a more closed U.S. economy could undermine its historical role as a magnet for talent and innovation, leading to strategic isolation and a loss of influence in global affairs [4].