The first effort at getting countries together to lower tariffs for the benefit of all, started in 1947 at Geneva when the GATT or the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs was signed between 23 countries,
The article from Moneycontrol discusses the implications of reciprocal tariffs in the context of global trade dynamics, particularly focusing on the U.S.-China trade war. It highlights how the U.S. has imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, prompting China to retaliate with its own tariffs, leading to a cycle of reciprocal actions that could potentially escalate into a broader trade conflict. The piece explores the concept of "tit-for-tat" tariffs, where countries match each other's trade barriers, potentially leading to a new world economic disorder. It also touches upon the broader economic theories like the prisoner's dilemma, where both countries might end up worse off due to non-cooperation. The article suggests that while these tariffs aim to protect domestic industries, they could result in higher costs for consumers, disrupt global supply chains, and might not necessarily lead to the desired economic outcomes, potentially fostering a more protectionist global trade environment.