Get on the Internet and look up “Dark factories”. In Japan, there are factories which make items that no person enters except to fix the machines. There are many things that still require manpower, e.g., designing the machines, etc.
With respect to people in other countries making the widgets. We need to be more productive. The cost/item is what is important. Import duties could also be used. And a responsible citizentry could not buy some products made in other countries. Think shirts, pants, underwear, socks,.......
We also need cure for diseses, better energy sources, etc all of which require smart, skilled personnel.
Import duties don’t do anything to make America more competitive.