Trump's letters to Japan and South Korea demonstrate a complete lack of understanding of trade. Tariffs have nothing to do with America's trade deficits with either nation. Japan's tariffs on U.S. goods average less than 2%, and Korea's average less than 1%. Our trade deficits result from South Korea and Japan making more goods that Americans want to buy than the goods we make that they want to buy. Trump's 25% tariffs will have a minimal effect on our trade deficits with either nation. In fact, as the dollar falls, our trade deficits will likely rise in dollar terms, as we pay more to import less.