President Trump’s tariff policies have caused significant economic uncertainty, affecting not only the US but also other countries around the world. The global reaction to these tariffs has been mixed, with some countries, like China, imposing retaliatory measures and others, like Vietnam, seeing their tariffs lifted.
Kai Ryssdal, host of Marketplace, believes that the current situation is a result of the Trump administration’s attempt to address trade issues with China without a clear plan. He argues that decoupling between the US and China is not feasible in months or weeks, but rather requires years and decades to achieve.
Ryssdal notes that the global economy is now subject to the whims of one person – President Trump – which creates uncertainty for businesses and consumers alike. Companies are hesitant to invest, and consumers are delaying purchases due to economic uncertainty. This slowdown in economic activity could lead to a recession.
While some experts see China as a problem that needs to be addressed, Ryssdal emphasizes the need for a clear plan to tackle trade issues, rather than relying on short-term measures. He warns that the current chaos is not good and calls for policymakers to develop a strategy to address these concerns.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/11/nx-s1-5358958/kai-ryssdal-on-the-economics-of-president-trumps-tariff-policies