Trade Disruption: Trump's Tariff Tactics Shake Global Markets

President Donald Trump is challenging traditional global trade rules with 'reciprocal tariffs', creating potential disruptions and conflicts worldwide. By matching foreign tariffs, Trump aims to reduce trade deficits and advocate for US manufacturing, despite resistance from economists and key trading partners.

President Donald Trump has intensified his efforts to reshape global trade with the announcement of 'reciprocal tariffs', stirring potential global economic disruptions. These tariffs, aimed at matching those imposed by foreign nations, may lead to confrontations with allies and adversaries.

Historically, tariffs have been determined through multilateral negotiations, but Trump is resetting this approach, citing unfair trade practices as a major factor contributing to America's trade deficits. Economists remain skeptical, pointing out that such tariffs increase costs for importers, but there's an opportunity if they prompt countries to lower their tariffs.

Trump's measures, including recent tariffs on China, steel, and aluminum, perhaps signal a shift from traditional free trade policies. While trading partners like India have responded by cutting tariffs on select US goods, the broader impact remains to be seen, highlighting enduring trade disagreements and complexities introduced by the new tariff strategy.

(With inputs from agencies.)