The Monocle Daily How does Trump decide which countries get trade deals and which get tariffs?
Jul 2, 2025
Vincent McAvenny, a notable journalist and politics commentator, joins forces with Ukrainian journalist Natalia Gumenyuk and former Radio 4 presenter Robin Lustig for an insightful discussion. They dissect the puzzling trade dynamics under the Trump administration, examining why countries like the UK and China secure deals while Canada and Japan miss out. This leads to a broader conversation about the arbitrary nature of tariffs and the political landscape shaping these decisions. They also touch on the implications for international relations amidst rising tensions.
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Trump's Tariff Strategy Unpredictable
- Trump's trade tariffs appear random with no consistent logic guiding his decisions.
- His approach mixes confused messaging, bullying tactics, and whimsy to keep partners off balance.
Trade Deals Depend on Theater
- Trump's trade favor depends heavily on personal meetings and flattery at Mar-a-Lago.
- Even face time with key partners sometimes fails; this shows his decisions are mostly based on whim.
Big Majorities Spur Rebel MPs
- Large parliamentary majorities can empower rebellious backbenchers who stir trouble without fearing consequences.
- This dynamic complicates governing, as seen with Keir Starmer's difficulties despite a big majority.