President Donald Trump stays assured that his economic choices are right and vital for improving America's economy, regardless of criticism. The international tensions caused by the US continue to intensify as Trump considers the economic consequences.
Donald Trump reveals how much money the US will make as ... (Source: www.unilad.com)
On April 2, Trump unveiled his 'Liberation Day' plan, introducing new tariffs for global nations, including allies and established trading partners. He implemented a 25 percent tariff on all foreign-made vehicles and a basic 10 percent tariff on all countries - excluding those following the USMCA free trade agreement between Mexico, Canada and the US. Trump charges non-compliant countries 25 percent, with UK imports at 10 percent, and EU goods at a 20 percent tariff.
Many national leaders have expressed willingness to negotiate new agreements to avoid tariffs, but have also cautioned they will impose their own tariffs on the US. China notably appears to be locked in a fresh trade conflict with America.
Tariffs in the second Trump administration - Wikipedia (Source: en.wikipedia.org)
Trump has maintained that his economic strategy will lead to "American industry reborn" and ultimately help US citizens. On Wednesday, the US government began collecting tariffs imposed on 90 countries, including a substantial 104% levy on China.
During a White House event on Tuesday, Trump revealed the financial gains, stating the US was already "taking in almost $2 billion a day in tariffs." He also claimed many countries were eager to make deals to avoid the tariffs.
"These countries are calling me up, kissing my a**... they are dying to make a deal," Trump stated.
Mocking how countries were pleading, he imitated them saying: "Please, please, sir, make a deal. I'll do anything."
Trump steps up his 2018 tariffs on steel and aluminum ... (Source: apnews.com)
He added: "I really think we are helped by the tariff situation that is going on which is a good situation, not bad, its great. It is going to be legendary, you watch, legendary in a positive way, I have to say. That is why additional tariffs on Chinese goods are in place effective midnight tonight at 104% until they make a deal with us that is what it is going to be. I think they'll make a deal at some point, China wants to make a deal, they really do, they just don't know how to get it started because they are proud people."
China issues scathing response to Trump's 145% tariffs with major new blow to the country
Since President Trump's return to the White House in January for his second term, tariffs have dominated his economic policy. Trump declared April 2 as 'Liberation Day' for the US and announced numerous tariffs affecting global nations, with China receiving the harshest treatment.
China now faces a substantial 145 percent tariff "effective immediately" after attempting to counter with its own retaliatory measures.
"Eventually, perhaps soon, China will understand that exploiting the U.S.A. and other nations is no longer viable or tolerable," Trump stated on Truth Social.
China's commerce ministry responded by urging the US to "take a big step back to correct its mistakes" and "return to the right path of mutual respect."
On April 11, Trump's administration appeared to soften its stance, announcing exemptions for smartphones, computers, and certain Chinese products from the increased tariffs. However, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed on Sunday that these exemptions might be temporary, with a possible "semiconductor tariff" coming soon.
China has retaliated with a 125 percent tariff on American-made goods and prohibited its airlines from completing any jet orders from Boeing. All existing orders have been suspended, and Chinese airlines cannot purchase any aircraft parts from the American manufacturer.
China issues scathing response to Trump's 145% tariffs with ... (Source: www.unilad.com)
Despite causing global economic disruption, Trump shows no intention of reversing his decisions. He declared on Truth Social: "The Golden Age of America, which includes the upcoming Tax and Regulation Cuts, a substantial amount of which was just approved by the House and Senate, will mean more and better paying Jobs, making products in our Nation, and treating other countries, in particular China, the same way they have treated us. The bottom line is that our Country will be bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. We will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
Trump says US not willing to make deal with China unless trade deficit is solved
President Trump declared Sunday he refuses to negotiate with China until the massive trade deficit exceeding $1 trillion is addressed. Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized the scale of the problem.
Trump not willing to make deal with China unless trade ... (Source: www.foxnews.com)
"We have a $1 trillion trade deficit with China. We lose hundreds of billions of dollars yearly to China, and unless we fix that problem, I'm not going to make a deal," he stated. "I'm ready to negotiate with China, but they must resolve this surplus. We face a huge deficit issue with China... I need that fixed."
Trump claimed that due to his tariff policies, the U.S. has secured $7 trillion in promised investments for automotive manufacturing facilities, semiconductor companies, and other enterprises "at levels we've never witnessed previously."
Trump not willing to make deal with China unless trade ... (Source: www.foxnews.com)
Regarding trade imbalances, Trump revealed he has conversed with numerous European and Asian leaders who are "desperate" to strike agreements, but he refuses while deficits remain.
"A deficit represents a loss," he explained. "We will achieve surpluses or, at minimum, break even. But China ranks worst because their deficit is so enormous and unsustainable."
"I was elected based on this," Trump added.
Trump spoke with reporters for approximately 16 minutes, answering multiple questions about tariffs. He expects these measures will generate an additional $1 trillion by next year. He also predicted companies will start moving operations to the U.S. in locations such as North Carolina, Detroit, and Illinois.
"What will happen to the market? I cannot predict. But I can tell you our nation has grown much stronger, and eventually it will be a country unlike any other," Trump stated. "It will become the most economically dominant nation worldwide, which is appropriate."
Later Sunday evening, Trump posted on Truth Social about tariffs: "We have enormous Financial Deficits with China, the European Union, and many others. The only solution to this issue is TARIFFS, which now bring Tens of Billions of Dollars into the U.S.A. They are already working, and a wonderful sight to behold. The Surplus with these Countries increased during Sleepy Joe Biden's 'Presidency'. We will reverse it, and reverse it RAPIDLY."
"One day individuals will notice that Tariffs, for the United States of America, are a truly splendid thing!" Trump wrote. He established a 10% baseline tariff on all goods imported into the United States while certain nations received higher rates.
He adopted a particularly stern stance toward China, which had already been subject to a 20% tariff earlier this year. China will now encounter a 34% reciprocal tariff in addition to the 10% baseline imposed on all listed countries.
Canada and Mexico currently avoid the reciprocal tariffs, but they face a 25% tariff on products, with Canada also receiving a 10% energy tariff.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged to "fight these tariffs with countermeasures," while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum indicated her nation would reveal a "comprehensive program" on Thursday, according to Reuters.
Trump risks it all, takes on the world with tariffs and puts America first
Many people feel upset with Donald Trump. He continues to take away benefits; our NATO partners feel frustrated they must contribute more to their defense, DOGE cuts tax money flowing improperly to Democrats, and the president's tariff attack has shown trade imbalances that help everyone except the United States.
Trump has not just disturbed things – he has completely destroyed the status quo. He puts American interests first and stands as the only president willing to risk his political career for blue-collar families. He deserves praise for this stance.
Trump Threatens Tariffs Over Immigration, Drugs and ... (Source: www.nytimes.com)
Here is a clear fact: with $37 trillion in national debt, up from $23 trillion in 2019, the United States can no longer serve as the world's financial supporter.
For years, Western allies depended on America for protection against hostile governments while they invested in their citizens, creating expensive welfare systems including free healthcare and good pensions. During his first term, Trump criticized countries like Germany that consistently failed to meet their NATO commitment to spend 2% of GDP on defense.
Europeans felt shocked, as they often do by direct American communication. Gradually and reluctantly, they increased their spending; the Ukraine conflict showed the need for greater independence, as did additional pressure from President Trump. This change was necessary.
In the United States, the DOGE team reveals billions in wasteful government expenses and tax dollars sent to innocent-looking NGOs that channel funds to Democrat-aligned activist groups. DOGE also promises to update our outdated federal government, which deserves support.
Now, regarding tariffs: Donald Trump has complained about unfair treatment from trading partners for decades. Because of him, the country's perspective on trade agreements changed ten years ago. Democrats supported these deals until Hillary Clinton ran against Trump in 2016, even as manufacturing jobs in the U.S. decreased from almost 20 million in 1979 to only 12 million.
Trump is set to hike tariffs. Should Southeast Asia be ... (Source: fortune.com)
Donald Trump puts American interests first and stands as the only president willing to risk his political career for blue-collar families. He deserves praise for this stance.
At this time, the trade agreement under review was the Trans-Pacific Partnership, involving 11 Pacific Rim nations and backed by the Obama administration, where Hillary Clinton worked as Secretary of State. Politico noted in 2016, "Clinton praised the Trans-Pacific Partnership before she opposed it;" even left-leaning Politico described Clinton's opposition to the deal as a "campaign stance." The New York Times stated that the TPP became "a representation of failed globalism and American job losses overseas." Trump officially abandoned the trade agreement on his first day in office.
Trump believes that trade agreements like the TPP and the original North American Trade Agreement (enacted by Bill Clinton moved millions of jobs to low-wage countries like Mexico and China In 2016, he campaigned on renegotiating these deals; while in office, one of his major achievements was establishing the USMTA, a new agreement with Mexico and Canada that Vox described as "better for workers than NAFTA was."
Now, in his second term, President Trump aims to go further in revising our trade arrangements. He wants to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., and has announced severe tariffs to achieve this goal. Markets have dropped as investors and business leaders calculate the impact of Trump's actions.
The tariffs, particularly their calculation method, face criticism. While demanding equal tariffs seems reasonable – why should the EU charge 10% duty on U.S.-made cars while we tax them only 2.5%? – basing the fee on our trade deficit with each country does not appear logical.
Recently, many countries have requested to negotiate better terms. This makes sense since the U.S. remains the world's largest consumer market. We hold the advantage; Trump must use it effectively.
Trump's tariffs in numbers: The biggest losers amid ... (Source: www.yahoo.com)
Unfortunately, White House Trade Advisor Peter Navarro appeared on television Monday to reject Vietnam's offer for zero tariffs, requiring additional concessions to address "nontariff cheating." He referred to "Chinese products routed through Vietnam, intellectual property theft and a value-added tax." These are valid concerns, but Navarro's comments disappointed those hoping Trump would soon announce agreements to reduce tariffs and stabilize markets.
President Trump has a reputation as a skilled negotiator. In his book "Art of the Deal," he explains the benefit of starting with an extreme demand, allowing room for compromise. This appears to be his current strategy.
The White House faces pressure to gain public support.
Trump's agenda, including the extension of the 2017 tax cuts, might face risk if voters lose faith and if Republicans lose Congress in the midterms. Their various justifications for tariffs – correcting unfair practices that hurt American workers, generating income and returning manufacturing to US soil - all make sense. For people who question the necessity to rebuild US manufacturing, they should think about the national security issues of having a nation that mainly produces entertainment and financial services. Films and stock offerings cannot win conflicts. Trump is correct – we need to produce steel, ships and weapons.
Trump trade – back to the future? – Deutsche Bank (Source: flow.db.com)
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent endorsed the president's tariffs during the weekend, telling Tucker Carlson: "I have a high confidence ratio, it's going to work."
He also stated: "Summer of 2024, Americans took more European vacations than they had in history. Summer of 2024, more Americans were using food banks than they ever have in history."
This statement reveals much about our divided economy; too many Americans struggle to make ends meet. We should hope that Trump's tariffs create positive change.
