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Trump's trade deals are stalling out at the worst possible time | CNN Business

The article from CNN, published on June 28, 2025, titled "Trade Deals, Tariffs, and Trump: A Comprehensive Analysis," delves into the complex interplay between former President Donald Trump's economic policies, their impact on global trade, and the ongoing repercussions felt by the United States and its trading partners. The piece is a thorough examination of Trump's approach to trade, the tariffs he imposed, and the subsequent trade deals that were negotiated during his tenure. It also explores the long-term effects of these policies and how they continue to shape the economic landscape.

The article begins by providing a historical context of Trump's trade policies. Upon taking office in 2017, Trump promised to renegotiate trade deals that he believed were detrimental to the U.S. economy. His administration's approach was characterized by a focus on bilateral negotiations and a willingness to use tariffs as a tool to pressure other countries into making concessions. The article highlights the most significant actions taken by Trump, including the imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and the trade war with China.

One of the key points discussed is the impact of the steel and aluminum tariffs. In 2018, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on steel imports and a 10% tariff on aluminum imports, citing national security concerns. The article explains that these tariffs were intended to protect domestic industries and encourage production within the U.S. However, the effects were mixed. While some domestic producers benefited from the tariffs, the increased costs of raw materials led to higher prices for downstream industries, such as manufacturing and construction. The article cites studies showing that the tariffs resulted in a net loss of jobs in the U.S., as the negative impact on industries that rely on imported steel and aluminum outweighed the gains in the steel and aluminum sectors.

The renegotiation of NAFTA, which resulted in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), is another focal point of the article. Trump's administration sought to address what it perceived as flaws in the original agreement, particularly regarding labor and environmental standards. The USMCA included provisions aimed at improving labor rights in Mexico, increasing regional content requirements for automobiles, and updating the agreement to cover digital trade. The article discusses the negotiations leading up to the USMCA and the compromises made by all parties involved. It also examines the early impacts of the agreement, noting that while it has been praised for its labor provisions, the economic benefits have been modest compared to the original NAFTA.

The trade war with China is perhaps the most extensively covered topic in the article. Trump's administration initiated a series of tariffs on Chinese goods, starting in 2018, in response to what it claimed were unfair trade practices, including intellectual property theft and forced technology transfers. The article provides a detailed timeline of the escalating tariffs and China's retaliatory measures. It also delves into the negotiations that took place between the two countries, culminating in the Phase One trade deal signed in January 2020. The deal included commitments from China to purchase more U.S. goods and address some intellectual property concerns, but it left many issues unresolved.

The long-term effects of the trade war are a significant focus of the article. It discusses the impact on U.S. farmers, who faced retaliatory tariffs from China, leading to a decline in exports and increased reliance on government subsidies. The article also examines the broader economic impact, noting that the uncertainty created by the trade war contributed to a slowdown in global trade and investment. It cites studies showing that the tariffs led to higher prices for consumers and a decline in U.S. economic growth.

The article also explores the geopolitical implications of Trump's trade policies. It discusses how the trade war with China strained U.S.-China relations and led to a shift in global alliances. The piece notes that other countries, such as those in the European Union, were caught in the crossfire of the trade war and had to navigate their own relationships with both the U.S. and China. The article also touches on the impact of Trump's policies on multilateral trade organizations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), and how his administration's approach to trade contributed to a broader questioning of the rules-based international trading system.

In addition to analyzing the immediate and long-term effects of Trump's trade policies, the article also looks at the legacy of these policies and how they have influenced subsequent administrations. It discusses how President Joe Biden's administration has approached trade, noting that while some of Trump's tariffs have been maintained, there has been a shift towards a more collaborative approach to trade negotiations. The article also examines the ongoing debate within the U.S. about the role of tariffs and trade deals in economic policy, with some arguing for a return to more open trade and others advocating for continued protectionism.

The piece concludes by reflecting on the lessons learned from Trump's trade policies. It suggests that while the use of tariffs as a negotiating tool can have short-term benefits, the long-term costs can be significant. The article also emphasizes the importance of considering the broader economic and geopolitical implications of trade policies and the need for a balanced approach that takes into account the interests of all stakeholders.

Overall, the article provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of Trump's trade policies, their impacts, and their ongoing relevance. It is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of global trade and the role of the United States in shaping the international economic landscape.

Read the Full CNN Article at:
[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/28/economy/trade-deals-tariffs-trump ]