Trade policies are stealing the spotlight again—but this time, it’s more drama than progress. The U.S., once a champion of free trade , is now doubling down on protectionist moves, sparking fears of a global economic slowdown.
In May 2024, the Biden administration announced plans to hike tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) from 25% to a staggering 100% —a move critics say could backfire. Analysts warn this isn’t just about EVs; it’s a risky game of economic chess that could hurt innovation, inflame nationalist sentiments, and weaken the rules-based trading system.
Why EVs? As climate goals push countries to go green, Chinese automakers have surged ahead with affordable, tech-savvy electric cars. Instead of competing, the U.S. is slamming the door. Tian Huifang, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, calls this a 'road leading to a narrow street'—a protectionist spiral that could isolate economies rather than empower them.
Remember when globalization was cool? From smartphones to sneakers, free trade fueled decades of growth and low prices. But with tariffs trending, the WTO predicts rising costs for consumers and slower tech collaboration.
For young professionals and entrepreneurs, this isn’t just policy noise. Strained U.S.-China ties could reshape supply chains, disrupt green energy projects, and even impact your next car purchase. The big question: Will protectionism protect anyone—or just leave everyone stranded?
, is now doubling down on protectionist moves, sparking fears of a global economic slowdown. 
—a move critics say could backfire. Analysts warn this isn’t just about EVs; it’s a risky game of economic chess that could hurt innovation, inflame nationalist sentiments, and weaken the rules-based trading system. 
Why EVs? As climate goals push countries to go green, Chinese automakers have surged ahead with affordable, tech-savvy electric cars. Instead of competing, the U.S. is slamming the door. Tian Huifang, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, calls this a 'road leading to a narrow street'—a protectionist spiral that could isolate economies rather than empower them.
From smartphones to sneakers, free trade fueled decades of growth and low prices. But with tariffs trending, the WTO predicts rising costs for consumers and slower tech collaboration. 
The big question: Will protectionism protect anyone—or just leave everyone stranded? 
