Donald Trump stands firm on tariffs, signals no backing down despite global trade tensions | CliqExplainer

United States President Donald Trump remains unwavering on his decision to impose reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, despite rising global concerns and calls for negotiations. According to US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, the President is determined to restructure global trade practices that, he claims, have long disadvantaged American industries and workers. The move marks a significant shift in US trade policy, potentially affecting economic relations with key partners such as China, India, and Vietnam.

No Retreat on Tariffs, Says Lutnick

In a recent interview with CNN, Lutnick reinforced Donald Trump’s tough stance on tariffs, stating that there is virtually no chance the President will roll back the new policy. “This is the reordering of global trade. The world should stop exploiting the United States of America,” he declared, emphasizing the need to protect domestic producers, including American farmers and ranchers. The Trump administration has introduced a baseline 10 percent tariff on nearly all imports, along with additional reciprocal tariffs on over 60 countries that impose high duties on US goods.

While some observers hoped there might be space for negotiations, Lutnick suggested that talks would only be possible if foreign nations take steps to remove or reduce their own trade barriers. He argued that non-tariff barriers, in particular, have hurt American companies trying to expand abroad. Citing an example, he mentioned how McDonald’s faced resistance in bringing French fries into a foreign country due to origin-proof requirements, calling it a clear instance of non-tariff trade obstruction.

Trade Talks Conditional on Global Concessions

Lutnick acknowledged that the President is open to making individual deals with nations, but only if they “change their ways” and create a more balanced trading environment. “That’s not backing off; that’s the dealmaker making his deals win,” he asserted, echoing Donald Trump’s long-held belief in hard-nosed deal-making.

The announcement of these tariffs comes as a fulfillment of Donald Trump’s repeated campaign promises to implement reciprocal duties. It also signals a broader message that the United States is shifting from its previous free trade posture to one focused on strategic protectionism. As global markets and political allies digest the implications, the spotlight remains on how affected nations will respond and whether Donald Trump’s aggressive stance will trigger trade conflicts or concessions.

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