U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs have sparked a global debate, drawing comparisons to trade policies from the late 1800s. Noted columnist Thomas Friedman, in his piece titled "I Just Saw the Future. It Was Not in America," warned that these measures overlook the complexity of today’s global manufacturing ecosystems. He pointed out that modern products—from cars to smartphones to mRNA vaccines—benefit from intricate international supply chains, making it unrealistic to expect domestic production to rapidly fill the gap.
Critics argue that the tariffs signal a dramatic return to protectionist strategies. An article in The Economist described Trump's approach as reminiscent of a bygone era, asserting that these decisions dismantle decades of progress fostered by free global trade. Such a shift, they say, could challenge the economic order established after World War II.
Further concerns have come from an AP report highlighting that the new tariffs carry risks of inflation and potential trade wars, drawing parallels to the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930. A Reuters/Ipsos poll also noted that Trump's approval rating has fallen, with many Americans worried that these policies may harm consumers and disrupt established economic ties.
As the debate unfolds, experts are urging policymakers to consider building win-win trade relationships—especially with key manufacturing centers like the Chinese mainland—rather than retreating into isolated protectionism. The coming months will be critical in determining whether these measures will reshape global trade for better or usher in further economic challenges.
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U.S. trade policies 'back to late 1800s': Media on Trump's tariffs
cgtn.com
