Showing posts with label Unilateralism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Unilateralism. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Global MAGA-nomics | Francisco José Fernández-Cruz Sequera

The re-election of Donald Trump will lead to significant shifts in U.S. economic and foreign policy, emphasizing unilateral protectionism and high tariffs aimed at boosting domestic production and safeguarding American interests. This "MAGA-nomics" approach may impose tariffs of 10% to 20% on all imports and up to 60% on Chinese products, intending to reverse U.S. deindustrialization and create jobs in key sectors.

Global MAGA-nomics: The war Trump will wage in 2025.

Trump's trade rhetoric portrays free trade as detrimental to the U.S. economy, claiming trade deficits indicate weakness and job losses. His strategy seeks not only to protect the domestic market but also to pressure other nations to enhance market access for U.S. goods. However, such mercantilism poses risks, including potential retaliatory tariffs from other countries, which could escalate costs and inflation both in the U.S. and globally.

A drastic tariff increase could harm American consumers by raising prices and potentially increasing inflation from 6% to 9.3%. The confrontation with China is particularly complex, as high tariffs may prompt China to devalue its currency, exacerbating internal economic issues while potentially triggering further trade conflicts.

The European Union, a major U.S. trading partner, would likely suffer from these tariffs, which could significantly impact its economy amidst already existing challenges. Projections indicate that a 10% tariff on EU imports could reduce the Eurozone's GDP by 1%, further straining economic recovery.

 Tariffs, Radical Unilateralism, and the End of Globalization as We Knew It.

Emerging markets like Vietnam and Mexico may benefit as companies relocate production away from China, realigning global supply chains and potentially harming economies in Africa. The International Monetary Fund estimates that escalating trade disputes could reduce global economic growth by up to 1.3% by 2026, affecting millions worldwide.

Trump's approach extends beyond economics to form a coalition against China's influence, integrating defense strategies within economic policies. This could deepen geopolitical tensions and potentially lead to a new pro-China bloc. The historical precedent of protectionism, such as the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, illustrates the risks of such policies, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global economies and the potential for widespread negative repercussions.