The new price salvo decreed by Washington fuels diplomatic tensions, economic uncertainty and geostrategic reconfigurations. If some countries see it as an opportunity, others fear a lasting shock on their competitiveness.
August 1 under tension
The customs tariffs announced by Donald Trump entered into force on August 1, once again upsetting the spectator of world trade. Symbols of assumed protectionism, these measures target several partners, without distinction of size or strategic alignment.
Asian markets with withdrawal
Asian scholarships reacted nervously. THE South Korean Kospi plunged 3.9 %THE Hang Seng of Hong Kong gave in 1 %while the Nikkei 225 fell from 0.7 %. These folds reflect a shared fear: that of a sustainable trade war, eroding the confidence of investors.
An invoice still vague for American consumers
Who will pay the price? According to William Lee (Milken Institute), the cost could be assumed by theAmerican importer, the foreign exporter or the end consumer. Other economists, like Caroline Freund (UC San Diego), believe that an increase in prices is inevitable. Companies have little margin to absorb such shocks.
Winning countries, other injured
The capitals’ response was commensurate with the impact on their savings:
- Bangladesh : diplomatic victory. The rate goes from 41 % to 20 %preserving textile competitiveness (85 % of exports).
- Pakistan : rate reduced to 19 %the lowest in South Asia.
- Australia : official satisfaction for a rate of 10 %fruit of a “relationship of trust”.
- New Zealand : “unjustified” judge a price of 15 %.
- Swiss : expresses his “great regret” in the face of an increase in 39 %penalizing its key sectors: pharmacy, watches, precious metals.
- Canada : “Disappointment” on 35 % Applied to sectors excluding Alena (automotive, aluminum, wood).
- Tunisia : a rate set at 25 %against 28 % Initially, but which remains high. THE Tunisian exports of textiles, olive oil and dates may suffer from it, especially in front of better -off Asian countries.
A global, sustainable shock?
These prices are accompanied by a Administrative complexification For companies, notes Caroline Freund, and a deleterious uncertainty for investments. Global growth could be felt, hampered by the wait -and -seeing of economic actors.
China-United States: the heart of the showdown
The most strategic component remains Sino-American conflict. No agreement has yet taken place, and the prospect of a pricing remains open. An instability heavy with consequences for global commercial architecture.
Note: the implementation of new prices is postponed to August 7for logistical reasons. In addition, several Legal appeal are launched, in particular by the state of Oregon, contesting the use of emergency powers Presidentials without green light from the congress.
Read also: Trump hits dozens of countries with new customs duties
