China Daily: US overestimating its capacity to reshape global trade

China Daily has criticised the United States for overestimating its ability to influence global trade rules through aggressive tariff policies. 

According to the article, although the US claims significant progress in trade negotiations with various economies, it remains uncertain whether these so-called “victories” will translate into other countries opening their markets to US goods or allowing higher taxes on their exports to the US, Caliber.Az cites. 

The report highlights that while the US has used tariffs as a powerful tool to reset trade terms, economists predict this approach could lead to slower US economic growth and increased inflation, as domestic businesses and consumers bear much of the cost.

Furthermore, China Daily points out that the US administration’s effort to tie its tariff strategy to geopolitical aims—such as the Ukraine crisis—only complicates trade talks and risks undermining broader international cooperation.

The article emphasises that a tariff war ultimately has no winner. Contrary to US claims, imposing tariffs will not boost federal revenues or significantly reduce the budget deficit, nor will it create the promised jobs. Representing about 17 per cent of global goods trade, the US’s unilateral, protectionist tactics fall short of delivering practical new trade rules and instead risk damaging international relations under the guise of deal-making.

China Daily concludes that the US’s current trade approach is exploitative and unlikely to achieve its stated economic or strategic goals.

By Sabina Mammadli