The world is entering an uncomfortable liminal period, characterized by uncertainty and transition as international affairs evolve. This phase is often excruciating, especially when its duration and exit point are unknown.
The recent pause on reciprocal tariffs for 90 days has raised more questions than answers. The tariffs on Chinese exports of smartphones and electronics have also been put on hold. President Trump’s comments about the tariffs have only added to the confusion.
Experts point to a rite of passage, where an old order is ended and a new status emerges. This process involves a liminal period of transition, followed by catharsis – the re-engagement with the new order.
However, in Trump’s case, his “Liberation Day” on April 2 has been viewed as more of a rite of disengagement from the old globalist system rather than an initiation into a new era. The current uncertainty is not just about lack of predictability but also the feeling of being stuck in an open parenthesis.
The unpredictability created by Trump’s impulsive policymaking could lead to prolonged discomfort for businesses and economies worldwide. With only a few days left before the tariffs are set to expire, every Wall Street trader and economist is on edge, awaiting news that will shape the future of trade policy.
As the Trump administration prepares to announce its most aggressive pivot in U.S. trade policy in decades, the global economy is bracing for a potential scramble to adjust to the new trade normal. The outcome remains uncertain, leaving many wondering when this liminal period will come to an end and what the final outcome will be.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/04/14/trump-tariffs-transition-discomfort