Imagine a Berlin-based startup relying on a supply chain that spans the U.S. and Europe. One day, a trade pact negotiated through Congress is rock-solid. The next, an executive order shifts the rules overnight. That’s the scenario that economist Justin Wolfers warns could become the new normal under President Trump.
Wolfers points out that unlike treaties ratified by 66 senators, executive orders can be flipped at a president’s whim. Over the last two years, the administration has issued more than 20 trade-related orders, setting terms that a future leader could undo with a signature.
This uncertainty isn’t just political—it’s financial. A recent poll showed 65% of U.S. allies are evaluating alternative trade partners, fearing that today’s deal might vanish tomorrow.
Tech innovators, from AI firms in India to digital nomads booking eco-tours in Costa Rica, now weigh risk alongside opportunity. Stable agreements are the bedrock for investments, cross-border collaborations, and sustainable supply chains.
As Congress debates whether to reclaim its trade-writing authority, businesses and global citizens alike are watching. The question looms: will U.S. trade policy follow the arc of lasting legislation or remain a series of shifts with each new administration?
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Trump's trade tactics harm long-term U.S. credibility, economist warns
cgtn.com
