Dastagir jahangir
Washington D.C. — As President Donald J. Trump begins his second term in office, he is pushing forward with his signature “America First” economic policy—this time with even stronger measures aimed at rebalancing global trade. Regarded as the most popular U.S. president in recent history, Trump’s tariff strategy is already having a global impact, forcing some of America’s largest trading partners back to the negotiating table.
In 2024, the U.S. trade deficit with China stood at $306 billion, driven by $427 billion in imports versus $121 billion in exports. With India, the U.S. imported $93 billion and exported $45 billion, creating a $48 billion trade gap. These imbalances, Trump argues, have long disadvantaged American workers and weakened the nation’s industrial base.
“This is about economic sovereignty,” said President Trump in a recent address. “We’re no longer letting other countries walk all over us. The American worker is back at the center of our economy.”
The administration’s new wave of tariffs targets strategic sectors such as steel, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and agriculture. But rather than fueling trade wars, the policy appears to be working as intended.
As of early April 2025, multiple countries—including India, Mexico, Brazil, and Vietnam—have signaled a willingness to re-enter trade talks with the United States under more equitable terms. In response, President Trump announced a 90-day hold on the implementation of the new tariff hikes for all negotiating countries—with one notable exception: China.
“China has yet to demonstrate any sincere willingness to negotiate in good faith,” Trump said during a press briefing. “So while we extend an olive branch to our fair-trading partners, tariffs on Chinese goods will move forward as scheduled.”
Economic indicators are trending upward. Manufacturing jobs have increased by 4.2%, and industrial production rose 5.1% in Q1 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Several American companies have announced plans to reshore operations or invest in domestic production facilities.
Despite this momentum, economists caution that the next 90 days will be critical. Whether ongoing negotiations yield substantive trade reforms—or lead to renewed tariff escalation—remains uncertain.
One thing is clear: President Trump’s tough stance on trade is reshaping global commerce—and the world is paying attention.
Editor the voice:Dastagir Jahangir
