The counterargument hinges on the difference between the current-account deficit and the trade deficit. The current-account deficit is equal to the trade deficit plus the cost of servicing the net international asset position: the net rent, interest, and dividends owed to foreigners who have invested their capital in the US.
反驳错误观点的论据取决于经常账户赤字和贸易赤字之间的差异。经常账户赤字相当于贸易赤字加上维持国际资产净值地位的费用：即所欠的在美国投入资本的外国人的净租金、利息和股息。随着时间的推移，赤字累加。由于赤字累加，维持国际资产净值地位的费用相应增加。