Trump’s Trade Moves Grow More Erratic, Leaving Global Partners Scrambling
Over the past week, President Donald Trump has further deepened the confusion surrounding his already unpredictable trade agenda, frustrating nations eager to find relief from his escalating economic pressure.
Doubling down on his trade war strategy, Trump has threatened new tariffs on imports from Canada, raised his blanket tariff on goods from across the globe, and signaled possible economic retaliation against Brazil over its prosecution of his ally, the country’s former president.
On Saturday, he took things even further, announcing fresh 30% tariffs on two of America’s biggest trading partners — the European Union and Mexico.
Wendy Cutler, a former U.S. trade negotiator and current vice president at the Asia Society Policy Institute, called the latest moves a clear sign of the “increasing unpredictability, inconsistency, and aggressiveness” of Trump’s trade policy.
“It’s incredibly difficult for America’s trading partners to understand their standing with him,” Cutler said. “They have no idea what might hit them next — or when.”
Just two days earlier, Trump had escalated tensions with Canada, America’s second-largest trading partner and long-time ally, announcing a hike in tariffs on Canadian imports to 35%, effective August 1.
