The decree signed by Donald Trump establishing a global 10% tariff on imports officially took effect on Tuesday. This measure, announced in the wake of a setback inflicted by the Supreme Court, marks a new step in the United States president’s aggressive trade policy, who has even threatened to raise this tax to 15% in the coming months.
The decision comes after the Supreme Court ruled part of his trade policy illegal, while Donald Trump asserts that the stated objective is to strengthen the American industry and reduce dependence on imports. However, if the President hopes that this new tax will stimulate the national economy, there is a high risk that trading partners will retaliate, triggering a protectionist spiral. Analysts fear a slowdown in global trade and a generalized rise in prices.
International reactions did not take long: the European Union and China condemned the measure as “aggressive” and “contrary to WTO rules”. Several countries are already studying countermeasures, ranging from new taxes to legal challenges.
According to analysts, the first victims of this decision will be American consumers, whose purchasing power is likely to erode as prices for imported goods are expected to rise. Everyday consumer goods (electronics, clothing, certain food products) are directly affected. Moreover, companies dependent on foreign components will see their costs rise, which could squeeze their margins or push them to raise prices.
In the manufacturing industry, some segments (steel, aluminum, automotive) could benefit from increased protection, but others, dependent on global supply chains, risk losing competitiveness. If the United States’ partners in turn impose countermeasures, the agricultural sector will bear the consequences, as will the technology and distribution sectors, particularly vulnerable because they rely heavily on Asian imports.
