Trump's New Tariff Policy: Global Trade Faces High-Pressure Game

Starting from August 4, the United States sent formal tax increase notifications to 10-12 trade partners, which will officially take effect on August 1, with plans to expand the scope. The minimum tariff rate will be between 10%-20%, while the maximum could reach 60%-70%, subject to negotiation adjustments. Agreements reached before July 9 can enjoy lower tax rates (such as 10%); otherwise, they will face higher tariffs.

The UK and Vietnam have accepted tariff rates of 10%-20% to avoid the maximum tariffs, while China, India, Japan, and others face higher rates. Some smaller countries or those without negotiation leverage may face tariffs exceeding 50%.

The EU, China, and others may take countermeasures, exacerbating global trade friction, increasing financial market volatility, rising inflation pressure, and adding to the consumer burden.

The ability to reach an agreement by the July 9 deadline will determine the tariff levels for various countries; those unable to negotiate may see their rates double.

Trump's strategy uses tariffs as leverage to force countries to accept U.S. trade terms, rather than achieving true "mutual benefit."

Global supply chains are rapidly restructuring, with smaller economies being the most affected, while major powers engage in intensified competition.

Trump's current tariff policy adopts a "preemptive" strategy, which may force some countries to compromise in the short term, but could trigger a chain of trade conflicts in the long run, posing challenges to global economic stability #美国加征关税