In the above posts someone mentioned durable goods. IMO the redefinition of durable goods is the heart of the problem. As a society we have accepted way too many products today as disposable that used to be durable. Sharpen your razor? No way, we just buy a new one. Buy a good drill bit and sharpen it when it dulls? Why do that when you can buy a dozen throw-aways for the same price. Who even tries to repair a toaster, coffeepot or ceiling fan? Those of us who do are a dying breed.
The USA wants cheap products that can be tossed in the trash when they break. And that’s what we get.