But it has long been recognized that subsidies can be just as destructive as tariffs – and even less fair, since rich countries can better afford them. If there was ever a level playing field in the global economy, it no longer exists: the massive subsidies and bailouts provided by the US have changed everything, perhaps irreversibly.
然而，长久以来，人们已经认识到，补贴可能和关税一样具有毁灭性，甚至还不如关税公平，因为富裕国家更有能力提供补贴。如果全球经济曾经有过一个公平的竞技场，那它已经不再存在了：美国所提供的巨额补贴和紧急援助已经改变了一切，而且这种改变也许是不可逆转的。