02-08-2025

Trump's Tariffs Spark Global Economic Concerns

Date: 02-08-2025
Sources: cbsnews.com: 3 | economist.com: 3 | edition.cnn.com: 2 | news.sky.com: 3 | bbc.com: 2 | foxnews.com: 2
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Source: edition.cnn.com

Image content: The image features Donald Trump standing on the steps of a white building, wearing a black suit, white shirt, and red tie. The scene is accompanied by the text "THE POLITICS BEHIND TRUMP'S HISTORIC TARIFFS," indicating that the image is likely related to a news article or report about Trump's policies on tariffs.

Summary

US President Donald Trump's trade policies, including new tariffs on countries like India and African nations, are causing global economic concerns and pushing some countries towards China. Trump's protectionist agenda is part of a broader effort to renegotiate trade deals and address perceived unfair trade practices. The tariffs have significant implications for global trade, economies, and consumers, and are affecting US relationships with its allies.

Key Points

  • US President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs on several countries, including India and various African nations, as part of his protectionist trade agenda.
  • The tariffs have significant implications for global trade, economies, and consumers, with potential effects on prices and economic growth.
  • Trump's trade policies are pushing some countries, particularly in Africa, into China's hands, as China offers alternative trade deals and investment opportunities.

Articles in this Cluster

Trump announces 25% tariff on India - CBS News

President Trump announced a 25% tariff on imports from India, citing the country's high tariffs and trade barriers, as well as its large purchases of military equipment and energy from Russia. The US trade deficit with India rose 5.4% to $45.7 billion despite increased US exports. The move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to renegotiate trade deals with countries that did not meet an August 1 deadline.

African countries brace for impact as Trump announces further tariffs - CBS News

African countries are bracing for the economic impact of US President Donald Trump's announcement of new tariffs, with South Africa facing a 30% tariff increase and most other African countries hit with tariffs of 10-15%. South Africa had been negotiating with the US for months, offering to invest $3.3 billion in US industries, but received no confirmation of a deal before the announcement. The tariffs will likely have a significant impact on the economies of affected countries, particularly Lesotho, which is heavily reliant on textile exports to the US. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which gives 35 African countries duty-free access to the US, is set to expire in September, and some analysts believe Trump may cancel it, further exacerbating the economic impact. Economists warn that the tariffs could lead to increased inflation, currency depreciation, and job losses, prompting some to call for African countries to diversify their export markets and reduce their dependence on the US.

Donald Trump thinks he’s winning on trade, but America will lose

President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" has marked the beginning of a new global trading order characterized by "imperial preference." Trump has imposed "reciprocal" tariffs on several trading partners, ranging from 10% to 41%, citing unfair trade practices. Countries like the EU, Japan, and South Korea have responded by making deals with Trump, opening their markets and investing in the US in exchange for reduced tariffs on their exports. However, the article argues that Trump's trade policies will ultimately harm America, causing lasting and deep damage from tariffs.

The trade deal with America shows the limits of the EU’s power

The EU has agreed to a one-sided trade deal with the US, accepting higher tariffs on European goods without retaliation, due to concerns over keeping President Trump engaged in Europe and minimizing damage to its economy, highlighting the limits of the EU's power.

Trump will not let the world move on from tariffs

Donald Trump's tariffs continue to be a point of contention, even after he backed down from initial plans in April 2025, with six charts showing the damage caused to America, its trading partners, and consumers. Trump is unwilling to let the issue go, despite the world economy trying to move on.

The politics behind Trump’s historic tariffs | CNN Politics

President Trump has announced historic US tariffs on countries worldwide, and CNN's Kevin Liptak breaks down Trump's motives for imposing the new trade deals. The tariffs have significant implications for US consumers and America's relationships with its allies, with potential effects on prices, including coffee, due to tariffs on countries like Brazil. Trump's tariff deadline loomed over the world economy, although he announced a 90-day pause on higher tariffs on Mexico. The move is part of a broader trade policy agenda, with the White House announcing baseline tariffs for all countries.

Trump’s tariffs are sending African countries into China’s hands | CNNClose icon

US President Donald Trump's tariffs on African exports are pushing countries on the continent into China's hands, with China offering to soften the impact by halting charges on imports from nearly all its African partners. Four African nations face tariffs of 25-30%, while 18 others were hit with 15% levies. Nigerian economist Bismarck Rewane said Africa is "going straight into the hands of China" as a result. South African researcher Neo Letswalo urged countries to "solely turn to China and make it the next US," saying America is "gradually forfeiting its global leadership status." The tariffs have already caused job losses and economic shocks in countries like Lesotho and South Africa, with some industries threatening to leave. While China offers an alternative, some experts warn that reliance on Beijing could be risky, as Chinese products may flood and outcompete nascent African industries.

US trade war: The state of play as Trump signs order imposing new tariffs - but there are more delays | Money News | Sky News

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing new tariffs on several countries, but the implementation has been delayed until August 7. The tariffs are part of Trump's protectionist agenda and are aimed at countries that impose tariffs on US-made goods. Eight countries, including the UK, Japan, and the EU, have agreed deals to limit the tariffs, while others, such as Canada, Mexico, and Brazil, face higher tariff rates. The UK has secured a relatively favorable deal, exempting aerospace products and steel from the tariffs. The consequences of the trade war are uncertain, but it is expected to impact company sales and economic growth globally. The US central bank has expressed concerns about inflation, which could be exacerbated by the tariffs, and financial markets are betting that Trump will back down if inflation rises.

Putin not swayed by Trump's Ukraine war ultimatumBritish Broadcasting CorporationBritish Broadcasting Corporation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed hopes for further peace talks with Ukraine, but stated that his troops are "advancing on the entire front line" despite US President Donald Trump's ultimatum to agree to a ceasefire or face new sanctions. Putin repeated his demands for Ukrainian neutrality and recognition of occupied territories, which Ukraine views as capitulation. Trump's deadline for a ceasefire expires on August 8, but Putin showed little inclination to comply, with Belarus' authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko dismissing Trump's deadline as unworkable. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky questioned whether Russia is genuinely committed to ending the war, and US officials have urged Russia and Ukraine to negotiate a ceasefire and durable peace.

Trump moves nuclear submarines after ex-Russian president's commentsBritish Broadcasting CorporationBritish Broadcasting Corporation

US President Donald Trump has ordered two nuclear submarines to be deployed to "appropriate regions" in response to comments made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who threatened the US in response to Trump's ultimatums to Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump stated that the move was made "just in case" Medvedev's comments were more than just "foolish and inflammatory statements". Medvedev had warned of a "dead hand" threat, understood by some as a reference to Russia's nuclear retaliation system. The Kremlin has not commented on the issue, but Moscow's stock market fell sharply following Trump's statements.

Trump says 2 nuclear subs to be positioned in "appropriate regions" after former Russian president's remark - CBS News

President Trump ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in "appropriate regions" in response to threatening comments made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who warned Trump about the "Dead Hand" nuclear system. Trump posted on Truth Social that the move was made "just in case" Medvedev's statements were more than just "foolish and inflammatory." The White House declined to comment on the submarines' locations. Medvedev had been responding to Trump's threats of sanctions if Russia didn't reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Zelenskyy calls for direct talks with Putin amid Trump peace efforts | Fox News

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, praising President Donald Trump's efforts to broker peace in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Zelenskyy's statement comes as Trump announced a deadline of August 8 for a ceasefire and durable peace, with Acting US Representative John Kelley stating that the US is prepared to implement additional measures to secure peace. Russia has continued to launch deadly airstrikes, including one that killed 31 civilians in Kyiv, despite the US call for negotiations.

Trump orders two nuclear subs to be moved closer to Russia | World News | Sky News

US President Donald Trump has ordered two nuclear submarines to be moved closer to Russia, citing "highly provocative statements" made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chair of Russia's Security Council. Medvedev had reminded Trump that Russia possessed Soviet-era nuclear strike capabilities, prompting Trump to take the action as a precautionary measure to protect the US. Trump's move marks a significant escalation in the war of words between the two leaders and a deterioration in his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Cambodia to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize for ceasefire with Thailand | Fox News

Cambodia plans to nominate President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize after he helped broker a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, ending a border conflict that displaced over 300,000 people and killed at least 43. Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol thanked Trump for his efforts, saying he deserved the award for advancing peace between nations. Trump had urged a ceasefire and threatened to halt trade talks with the countries until the fighting stopped, ultimately helping to negotiate a truce in Malaysia.

Cambodian soldiers returned by Thailand after ceasefire deal | World News | Sky News

Thailand has returned two Cambodian soldiers as part of a ceasefire deal between the two countries, with 18 others still being processed for violating immigration law. The soldiers were detained during recent fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border that killed at least 43 people and displaced over 300,000. The conflict was brought to an end after intervention from US President Donald Trump, who threatened to halt tariff negotiations with both countries. Cambodia has announced plans to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Officials from both countries will meet in Malaysia next week to maintain the ceasefire and discuss the disputed border.