Trump and Tariffs: Escalating Towards a Trade War

US President Donald Trump continues to use the weapon of tariffs against allies and adversaries alike. His economic moves are driven by a vision aimed at reshaping the trade balance in favor of the United States. His recent decisions to impose tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China have provoked strong reactions, which could pave the way for a severe economic confrontation.

Tariffs as a tool of political and economic pressure

International relations researcher Mario Abu Zeid believes that Trump is following through on his campaign promises, which is clearly evident through the imposition of tariffs. Regarding Chinese imports, the United States imposed a 10% tariff, while it imposed a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada. Abu Zeid believes that these measures resulted from the trade deficit with allies, which he considers the main reason behind these policies. In this context, Trump seeks to force these countries to make concessions in favor of the American economy. Abu Zeid points out that the United States is the largest economic market in the world, which makes it a major target for all exporting countries.

International Angry Reactions

The reactions were not limited to the United States alone, but many countries were affected. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that his country would impose 25% tariffs on American imports. For its part, China announced that it would file a complaint against the United States at the World Trade Organization. The European Union stressed that it would respond firmly if unfair tariffs targeted it. In this context, Mario Abu Zeid warns that the European Union’s intervention could open the door to a global trade war, which would pose a threat to the global economy and trade.

Is the world heading towards a trade war?

The effects of Trump’s economic policies will not be limited to the United States and its immediate allies. They may extend to affect the global economy. As Abu Zeid points out, Canada is facing an economic crisis embodied in high inflation rates and increased taxes, making it more vulnerable to the new US tariffs. Despite the current escalation, the possibility of diplomatic solutions remains. China has announced its readiness to sit at dialogue table with Washington. As for Canada and Mexico, they hope to renegotiate rather than mutual escalation.

Trump and his tariff war with Europe

Later, Trump added a new statement regarding European products, saying: “I don’t have a timetable, but it will happen very soon.” He also stated that he will hold talks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as well as with Mexican government, after imposing 25% tariffs on products from both countries. Trump stated: “We imposed tariffs because they owe us a lot of money, and I’m sure they will pay.”

In contrast, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that she is waiting for Trump’s response to her proposal for dialogue. “I suggest that we wait for President Trump’s response to our proposal,” Sheinbaum said. She also promised to detail the first measures she intends to take in response to Trump’s decision.

Mexico’s position on the US decision

Sheinbaum had previously stated that she would take “tariff and non-tariff measures” to protect Mexico’s interests. She did not go into details. At the same time, she proposed the formation of a “working group” between Mexico and the United States, with the aim of combating drug trafficking and illegal immigration. Sheinbaum added that “Mexico does not want confrontation” and stated that her motto is “Coordination, yes. Subordination, no.” She also stressed that problems are not solved by imposing tariffs.

The outbreak of a trade war could lead to an increase in the pace of growth in the United States

“Will there be some pain? Yes, maybe (and maybe not),” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “But we will make bones again, and it will be worth the price.”

The germ also contributed on Sunday that European products “very soon” would also be targeted with tariffs. He said: “They are making us perfect, as you know, we have a $300 billion deficit. You know they don’t take our cars. They don’t take our farm products; they don’t take anything. We import millions of cars, we import agricultural products, lots and lots.” Trump explained: “I don’t have a timetable, but it will be coming soon.”

In this context, the United States highlighted that a trade war could lead to an increase in the pace of growth in the United States and at least a small increase in consumer prices. The president declined to nominate a candidate who had a significant impact on products, a factor that played a major role in his victory in the November election. At this moment, including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, she has directed her economy minister to implement “Plan B”, which specifies an as-yet unspecified scope, such as imposing other factors of measures.

On the other hand, the European Union, which has also pledged to work collectively to impose tariffs on it, has stressed the implementation of a package of preventive measures.

These radical details from Trump in the field trade come after many steps in his efforts and major details in the federal government during his first two weeks in office. People will complete these measures to dismiss Alexander the Great and decide to freeze funding that prevented him from the judiciary, which will prompt the child to retreat later.