Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports – initially pitched as a lifeline for American industries – might backfire long-term, warns Professor Che Hu of China University of Political Science and Law. While the policy aimed to boost domestic production, analysts say rising costs and trade retaliation could hurt U.S. manufacturers instead.
⚖️ Economic Chess Game
Trump argued the tariffs would protect jobs and revive factories. But Che notes that higher material costs for automakers, construction firms, and other sectors could ripple through supply chains, making U.S. goods less competitive globally. “Short-term gains may fade if businesses shift operations overseas to avoid tariffs,” he explains.
🌍 Global Domino Effect?
With the WTO reviewing the policy’s legality, trade partners like the EU and Japan are considering countermeasures. The debate highlights how protectionism in one country can reshape global markets – a key concern for young professionals tracking cross-border investments and startups.
