Korean Trade Sanctions

"You're in deep kimchi, buddy. Better have it all in one sock for this one."
--Captain Spellman (Under Siege)

Yesterday President Trump indicated that the US would consider ceasing trade with any country doing business with North Korea.  Presumably, that would include big trading partners like China.

The United States is considering, in addition to other options, stopping all trade with any country doing business with North Korea.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2017

My first thought was good luck marshaling enough support for that.

But beyond the political difficulties involved, such a move would set back standard of living for the United States and its trading partners. Sanctions, tariffs, and boycotts prohibit people from engaging in production and trade that advances prosperity for all.

There is also the proposition that 'when goods don't cross borders, armies will.' Sanctions promote conditions of war, not peace.