US President Donald Trump is facing a tough road ahead in his trade negotiations, having taken on the entire world with tariffs. Despite his confident claims, uncertainty has taken hold of US trade policy, and businesses are struggling to plan investments or manage operations with confidence.
The 90-day pause on “reciprocal” tariffs has done little to alleviate concerns about legal instability and unpredictability. The universal 10% rate on most imports, coupled with the 145% levied on Chinese goods, marks the most aggressive surge in US protectionism in a century.
Economic damage is being felt, with car sales soaring before tariffs went into effect but then dropping as investors anticipate price increases. This uncertainty is making it difficult for businesses to operate with confidence.
Trump’s credibility and reliability as a trade negotiator are also under scrutiny. His inability to respect deals he negotiates, as seen in the flouting of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, has eroded trust among allies.
The situation is described as “like an immature child” by Slovenian Finance Minister Klemen Bostjancic, who compared Trump’s actions to a reality TV show. The damage done to trust and confidence in the US as an ally and partner will not be easily fixed.
As market pressure mounts, it remains to be seen whether deals will be struck, what their terms might be, or when they might materialize. One thing is clear: Trump’s trade negotiations are in jeopardy, and the outcome will have significant implications for the global economy.
Source: https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-04-11/trump-faces-a-marathon-of-trade-negotiations-from-a-weakened-position.html