Economist Podcasts
Art of the real: Trump bows to markets
Apr 10, 2025
Tom Standage, Deputy Editor at The Economist, delves into Donald Trump’s recent tariff strategy and its chaotic effects on global trade. He discusses the pause on tariffs and the mixed reactions from markets and leaders. Standage also introduces a bold idea: building data centers in space, exploring its advantages like solar energy and cooling efficiency. The conversation touches on the timeless relevance of 'The Great Gatsby,' illustrating how its themes resonate in today’s socio-economic landscape.
21:27
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Quick takeaways
- Trump's abrupt tariff delays highlight the tension between market reactions and strategic trade policies, raising questions about his negotiating tactics.
- The innovative proposal for space-based data centers suggests potential advancements driven by economic efficiency and the evolving landscape of technology.
Deep dives
The Uncertain Trade War Tactics
Recent developments in the U.S.-China trade war revealed President Trump's inconsistency in implementing tariffs. Initially, he launched a trade war that caused market turbulence, only to announce a delay on many tariffs 12 hours later, generating a euphoric response in stock markets. The delay, however, does not negate the existing blanket tariffs, which are still at historically high levels, particularly against China, where rates were increased to 125%. This erratic approach raises questions about whether the trade war was indeed a strategic negotiation tactic or a reaction to market pressure and advisor warnings about potential recession.
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