Cutting Tariffs Isn't Like Chopping Wood: Trump Returns to the Tariff Game

Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on new tariffs for most countries, but at the same time sharply increased tariffs on imports from China to 125% . China responded in kind : tariffs of 84% were imposed on American goods.

Who did this affect?

The following were affected by the new duties:

• electronics

• high precision products

• part of cars

• chinese building materials

This is not just populism, it is a well-aimed geo-economic move designed to:

• win the sympathy of the industrial electorate

• show resolve towards China

• weaken the Biden camp's position amid the election race

Already in his first term (since 2018), Trump introduced the first tariffs against China and launched the very same "tariff war domino." Then the tariffs poured down on the EU, Canada, Mexico. In 2020, he temporarily stopped the tariffs during the coronavirus crisis, but in 2025 he returned to the old platform.

In US political circles, Trump's tariffs are considered a "double whammy": against China and against Biden.

Reactions of the world community

• China has stepped up retaliatory tariffs and called the US actions an economic provocation. Beijing has stressed that it will not give in to pressure and will defend its interests.

• The EU suspended retaliatory measures and expressed readiness for negotiations, hoping for de-escalation.

• Japan is concerned and has begun consultations with trading partners.

• Canada and Mexico were partially exempted from the new tariffs but remain cautious.

Analysts' opinion

• Conservative experts say Trump is being calculating and that tariffs could bring short-term benefits to the United States.

• Liberal commentators see a threat to global trade and a possible trigger for recession.

• Financial analysts note that at first the markets reacted strongly with growth (S&P +7%, Nasdaq +9%), but then a correction began due to unpredictability.

Trump is playing the big tariff chess game again. Only the pieces on the board are the global economy. Under the mask of "American patriotism" one can see a precise calculation: shake up the market, weaken China and seize the agenda. And the world is asking once again: is this a method or madness?