Trump’s tariffs reveal the hidden fault lines of global trade

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 2 min read 100% complete by Syed Munir KhasruJanuary 29, 2026 at 10:30 PM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

In April 2025, the United States implemented a "reciprocal tariff" framework, imposing a baseline 10% tariff and higher rates for specific countries, marking a significant departure from previous low single-digit norms. This shift, driven by US national security strategy under President Trump, transforms global trade into a power dynamic, challenging the authority of the WTO. This change particularly impacts China and Asia, who have greatly benefited from globalization and multilateral institutions. These tariffs are coupled with technology controls and geopolitical competition, making them difficult to reverse. While the US has not abandoned WTO rules, it is using national security exceptions, such as Section 232 and semiconductor export controls on China, to justify these measures, creating uncertainty and prompting challenges at the WTO.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Asia 60% Donald Trump 70% World Trade Organization (WTO) ×680% China ×480% United States ×690%

Keywords

tariffs 100% global trade 90% world trade organization 80% national security 70% protectionism 60% technology controls 60% trade war 50% geopolitical rivalry 50% china 40% trade expansion act 40%