Trump’s tariff policy and American arrogance
#Prem Sagar Poudel
US President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policy, driven by the slogan “Make America Great Again,” has brought not only the US but also the global economy to the brink of chaos. This policy has become a tool for American monopolies, economic arrogance, and the spread of conflict in international relations.
The Trump administration has made a new identification, “economic imperialism” by imposing tariffs of 35% to 145% on Canada, Mexico, and China. The tariffs, aimed at curbing China’s rise, have had a major impact on American consumers. In retaliation, China has also given a form of trade war by imposing a 125% tariff on US imports. Countries in Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean have also imposed retaliatory tariffs on American products, causing major disruptions to global supply chains.
According to the data from The New York Times, the US has suffered an economic loss of $6.3 trillion after increasing import tariffs. This has increased the price of goods in the US market. Due to this, public protests have intensified in cities including New York and Los Angeles. Despite Trump’s claim that “America will become richer,” American economists call it a delusion. According to a World Bank study, this has increased global inflation by 40%, with the impact being even greater in developing countries.
Trump has announced “economic relief” by cutting programs like USAID, the Department of Education, and military pensions. Elon Musk’s advice is in the background, due to which Tesla has also suffered losses due to the impact of customs duties. This shows the contradiction of Trump policy: the lives of ordinary citizens are being made miserable by following the advice of wealthy people.
Similarly, during Trump’s second term, students involved in anti-Israel activities have been deported. This exposes the double standards of American “freedom of speech.” Even though Trump announced tariff cuts for India and Israel, countries like Nepal are likely to be able to export to the US with a 10% tariff. However, gaining access to the US market remains difficult. The 90-day tariff moratorium has only added to the uncertainty. It seems that threatens to sacrifice the economies of smaller nations to American political games.
Trump’s tariff policy is a symbol of American arrogance. It has pushed the world into competitive tariff wars, inflation, and economic instability. Ignoring the warnings of American economic institutions, Trump is retreating the US into the “trade war” delusion of advisors like Peter Navarro. What is needed is multilateral trade agreements, cooperation, and equitable development. Only shared prosperity, not arrogance, can make the world sustainable.
