Big Take After US-Japan Trade Deal, What’s Next in Trump’s Trade War
9 snips
Jul 23, 2025 
Bob Zoellick and Mike Froman, former U.S. Trade Representatives, dive into the recent US-Japan trade deal and its impact on Trump's trade war. They share their experiences navigating complex negotiations, reflecting on the unconventional strategies used under Trump. The duo discusses the challenges of understanding Trump's motives and the implications for global trade. They highlight the need for strategic reassessments and the ongoing tensions between countries as the world grapples with shifting economic dynamics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Trump's Chaotic Trade Goals
- President Trump's trade goals are unclear and shifting, mixing revenue, protectionism, and political motives.
- This creates a chaotic, unpredictable environment that increases business uncertainty and strains allied relations.
Three Trump Tariff Objectives
- Trump's tariffs aim for leverage, revenue, and US manufacturing reindustrialization.
- Leverage and revenue efforts show results, but manufacturing impact remains uncertain and gradual.
Tariffs Hurt More Than Help
- The impact of Trump’s tariffs on US manufacturing jobs is small and costly to other sectors.
- Attempts to revive a 1950s economy ignore modern service-sector surpluses and global interconnectedness.
