On 2 April, President Donald Trump shocked global markets and alarmed international partners by imposing sweeping tariffs on nearly all imports into the United States — a severe escalation of protectionism unseen in nearly a century.

On 9 April, in an equally dramatic shift, he announced a 90-day pause, but the reprieve excluded China; tariffs on Chinese imports were instead raised further to a staggering 125 per cent! The markets — and arguably some trading partners as well — responded to the schizophrenic re-adjustment with relief.

But the escalation with China will have far-reaching repercussions that are not immediately manifest. What Trump and his economic advisors do not see — or are possibly ignoring in this game of desperate brinkmanship — is that far from securing America’s economic future, the tariff war threatens severe damage domestically, isolates the US internationally, accelerates China’s global rise, and ignites widespread consumer boycotts of American goods worldwide.

Domestically, the immediate effects of Trump’s tariff policy are already painfully evident. Tariffs are taxes charged on goods bought from other countries. Economists universally regard tariffs as hidden taxes, inevitably resulting in higher prices on everything from everyday essentials to premium electronics. Analysts predict astonishing price hikes, including Apple’s iPhone potentially skyrocketing to nearly $2,300.

At a time when inflation remains stubbornly high, these tariffs could add thousands of dollars annually to the expenses of the average American family, significantly eroding their purchasing power and quality of life. American businesses, particularly in manufacturing, face severe disruptions. Major automakers such as Stellantis have already announced layoffs and temporary plant closures in anticipation of........

© National Herald