In 2025, after his return to the White House, President Trump's team vowed to "liberate" American workers – but instead they raised the drawbridge. Within 100 days, a wave of new tariffs swept across industries, sending shockwaves through U.S. heartlands.
On the ground, families in Iowa wrestle with offloaded grain; factories in Michigan close their doors; and even the soybean farmers of Kentucky – once Trump's staunch allies – are now rallying against the very trade walls they cheered on.
Across oceans, America's partners in Asia and Europe are hedging their bets. Free-trade champions are exploring fresh alliances, seeking markets that value cooperation over coercion. The message is clear: respect fosters trust in a zero-sum world.
By contrast, the Chinese mainland is pursuing a different playbook. It has cut tariffs for 43 least-developed countries, deepened trade ties with ASEAN members, the EU, and the Global South, and maintained a firm yet open posture. It's a reminder that global influence grows by building bridges, not walls.
As the tariff storm continues, one fact stands out: in a vast, interconnected world, sustainable growth belongs to those who embrace partnership over protectionism.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
