In a speech full of provocations before the National Republican Committee of Congressthe president Donald Trump again claim his aggressive style of negotiation in commercial matters. He affirmed that countries affected by their recent increases in tariffs are “desperate” for reaching an agreement and, in their words, “They are kissing my butt”. The phrase, pronounced with its usual performatic tone, is part of a broader strategy that has already begun to show impacts on global markets.
The president’s statements occur just when a new round of tariffs enters into force: 20% to European Union products and 104% to Chinese imports. The measure has unleashed turbulence in financial markets: IBEX 35 fell more than 2% in its opening, while The Japanese Nikkei retreated about 4%. Commercial hardening not only affects external partners, but also generates friction within the Republican party itself, where some legislators question that the White House acts unilaterally.
Far from being an isolated fact, The current climbing should be read as a continuation of the commercial war that Trump opened during his presidency in 2018when he imposed strong tariffs on steel and aluminum under the pretext of “national security.” That offensive against China and traditional allies such as Canada and the EU transformed the global trade framework, weakened the WTO and introduced a climate of protectionism that has deepened this second mandate. The difference now is that rhetoric has become more incendiary and the margin of international maneuver, smaller.
To this is added a growing discontent between the American business elite. Directors of large corporations and billionaires who had been maintained on the past, today openly criticize Trump’s tariff policy. Stock volatility and the threat of commercial reprisals begin to undermine the confidence of investors and CEOS, who see with concern the isolationist course of the US economy.
In his attempt to project strength, Trump seems willing to tighten the global commercial board to the fullest, even if that means ignoring both economic costs and warnings of his own political and financial environment.
By rn
