To Donald Trump, tariffs are not just an economic strategy but a state of mind. Like some prefer tea, Trump prefers tariffs. When the world seems inattentive, he raises tariffs instead of his voice, styling himself as an economic force reminding others that diplomacy is not what the White House is known for anymore, it’s a collection center.
His presidency made it clear he wasn't one for multilateralism. The global stage is a marketplace to him, lined with ‘America First’ receipts. Those who bargain get a reprieve, those who question face increased tariffs.
In his first year, Trump wielded tariffs like the East India Company once used muskets and trade—first imposing conditions, then tariffs, and finally opening for business. The difference now? Tweets from America replace British ships, red ties replace red coats.
Europe at the Edge
Trump's mood swings put long-standing allies like Europe under the spotlight. To Trump, Europe became ‘free-riders,’ deserving tariffs on German cars, French wines, and metals. NATO meetings shifted from defense to import duties. The new friendship formula: buy more or pay more tariffs. Europe's reluctance is met with threats of economic weapons like those directed at Greenland. Sobering yet steadfast, Europe watches as Trump delves deeper with tariffs.
China’s Power Play
China became his primary target. The ongoing trade war escalated into an intense showdown. Trump had no specific strategy, just a power display, claiming China was robbing America. The solution? Tariffs. China's response was reciprocal, fueling inflation and forced nationalism on both sides. Trump claimed victory, as adversity marked a win in his book, even at the cost of American consumer’s wallets, believing military might strengthened by tariff revenue was tantamount to wealth.
No Allies, Just Tariffs
No country, not even strategic partners like India, Brazil, or South Korea, were off-limits. Labels like ‘strategic partner’ were erased, replaced by tariff lines. India faced a 25% tariff initially, later penalized again for buying oil from Russia. Trump’s zeal for tariffs rivaled iconic movie declarations, and his love for flattery was no secret. Festive with praise from Pakistani officials, he accepted majestic gifts with grandeur. Yet, his admiration was costly—a jet for camaraderie.
Source: aajtak
The Neighboring Blow
Neighbors felt the tariff tremors too. Canada and Mexico, seasoned partners in free trade, found themselves mistrustful under Trump’s scrutiny, accused of unfair trade. The fix? Tariffs, renegotiation, self-congratulation. Trump’s tactics were firelit fame, diffusing crises he instigated. While offering Canada a union akin to Greenland, he remained unfazed about tariffs, softening only slightly post-Trudeau.
Throughout this reign, tariffs evolved from an economic tool to a psychological weapon. Trump thrived on unpredictability, never specifying when or how they’d deploy, only hinting. Markets trembled, governments dialed their phones in hope, while Trump grinned at the chaos.
WTO in Watchful Silence
Global entities stood bewildered. The WTO's rulebook was dubbed ancient by Trump, rules significant only when America benefited. Otherwise, they were as flexible as tariffs themselves. This wasn't just a trading challenge but a trust crisis. Established supply chains quivered, investments stalled, nations sought new alliances. A consensus was forming: was America, as a stable force, waning?
Trump, the ‘Great Dealmaker,’ found fear a negotiable asset. Whether ally or adversary, rich or poor, the message echoed: deal or confront the consequences. Yet history, often overlooked by Trump, tells us fear breeds unsustainable systems. Nations now look forward to tweets unaccompanied by tariffs. Such is the world’s political climate, where tranquility means a day without fresh tariffs.
