Trump's Tariffs Hand China A Free-Trade Opportunity
(MENAFN- Asia Times)
Donald Trump's second term is off to a combative start, and the first casualty may be America's own influence.
His sweeping tariff escalation, including 25% duties on imports from Mexico and Canada, a 10% levy on Canadian energy and new tariffs on Chinese goods, underscores a US shift towards aggressive economic nationalism.
He has also signaled forthcoming tariffs against the EU, further rattling global markets. While Trump asserts economic leverage, China appears well-positioned to benefit.
The response to Colombia is a case in point. Gustavo Petro, the country's president, last week publicly challenged the United States over the treatment of deported migrants.
Soon after, Trump imposed tariffs on Colombian exports, introduced banking sanctions and restricted government officials from US travel. The move was a hard power shift in Washington's approach, one that could have broader implications for international partnerships.
But if the White House views this as a needed firm stance, its effects remain to be seen.
The episode highlights the unpredictability of America's global relationships under Trump. If a country historically aligned with Washington can face sudden economic punishment, others may seek to diversify their alliances.
And Beijing, with its growing economic engagement in Latin America, is watching closely.
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