There's a running assumption pervading organizations like the World Bank: that trade is ALWAYS better. More trade leads to a better world.

Truth is, I think, more complex than that. Trade is usually better, but increases the overall fragility of the system, as now I rely on a third party for something that I need and cannot produce myself.

So, assuming that the conclusions on this paper can be extrapolated to any 3D printing product (printed product?), it may not be such an issue. It may increase the options available.