#美国加征关税 Is it promoting fair trade, or igniting a global trade war?

The Trump administration recently announced a 50% tariff increase on China, and China responded firmly with 'we will accompany you to the end', escalating global trade tensions once again. Over 70 countries are negotiating new trade agreements with the United States, and market anxiety is spreading. Is this tariff war a legitimate means of 'America First', or a self-harming trade protectionism?

1. American logic: Using tariffs to 'correct' trade imbalances?

The US believes that high tariffs can combat 'unfair competition' and protect domestic industries, particularly targeting China's 'overcapacity' in fields such as new energy and steel. But the problem is that the cost of tariffs ultimately falls on American consumers and businesses — the Peterson Institute estimates that the tariffs on China result in an annual increase of $1,300 for American families.

2. China's countermeasure: Accelerating the relocation of the industrial chain

China has retaliated through WTO complaints and restrictions on key raw material exports (such as gallium and germanium). However, in the long run, Southeast Asia and Mexico are taking on 'de-Sinicization' orders, forcing a global supply chain restructuring, which raises inflation risks.

3. Global cost: A game with no winners

The EU, Japan, and South Korea are worried about being caught in a 'side-picking' situation. History shows that the 1930 Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act exacerbated the Great Depression. Today, global trade accounts for 60% of GDP, and the chain reaction could be even more severe.

Conclusion: Tariffs are a short-term political bargaining chip, not a long-term remedy. True fair trade requires the upgrading of multilateral rules, rather than unilateral bullying. #中美贸易 #全球经济