During his presidency, President Barack Obama was often criticized for his administration’s policies regarding outsourcing jobs to China. In this article, we will explore the number of jobs that were outsourced to China during his time in office and analyze the impact of these decisions on the US economy.

Job Outsourcing to China During Obama’s Presidency

According to a report by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), job outsourcing to China increased significantly during Obama’s presidency. In 2008, there were approximately 3 million jobs in the US that were outsourced to other countries, including China. By 2016, this number had grown to over 5 million jobs.

During his time in office, Obama implemented several policies aimed at promoting trade with China and strengthening economic ties between the two countries. These policies included the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which was designed to promote free trade between the US, China, and other Pacific Rim countries. Additionally, Obama’s administration pursued a "pivot to Asia" strategy that aimed to strengthen the US presence in the region and enhance its relationships with key partners, including China.

The Impact of Job Outsourcing on the US Economy

The rise in job outsourcing to China during Obama’s presidency has had both positive and negative impacts on the US economy. On the one hand, outsourcing jobs to countries like China can help lower costs for businesses and increase their profitability. This, in turn, can lead to increased investment and economic growth.

On the other hand, job outsourcing to China can also have negative consequences for the US economy. When companies outsource jobs to foreign countries, they often reduce wages and benefits for their workers, which can lead to lower consumer spending and reduced demand for goods and services. Additionally, outsourcing jobs to countries with weaker labor standards can undermine the US’s reputation as a leader in worker protections and human rights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, job outsourcing to China increased significantly during Obama’s presidency, driven by policies aimed at promoting trade with China and strengthening economic ties between the two countries. While outsourcing jobs can have benefits for businesses, it also has negative consequences for the US economy and its workers. As such, it is important for policymakers to carefully consider the impact of job outsourcing on the economy and take steps to protect American workers and promote sustainable economic growth.