Today in Focus Will Trump’s tariffs ignite a global trade war? Today in Focus Extra
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Apr 3, 2025 
Richard Partington, Senior economics correspondent at The Guardian, dives into the implications of Donald Trump's hefty tariffs. He discusses how these tariffs aim to reshape American industry while sparking global market reactions. The conversation shifts to the impact on developing nations and the looming question of sustainability in trade policies. Partington critiques the belief that tariffs can revive traditional jobs, urging a focus on future job opportunities in emerging sectors. He also explores the effects of U.S. trade isolation on global relations and market confidence.
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Trump's Tariff Strategy
- Trump imposed tariffs to counter US trade deficits, viewing them as a sign of weakness.
- He aims to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports, especially from China.
Impact on Developing Nations
- High tariffs on developing nations like Cambodia and Laos reflect Trump's focus on deficits.
- These countries likely cannot reciprocate US trade volume due to lower purchasing power.
Lesotho's Tariff Burden
- Lesotho, a sub-Saharan African nation, faces high US tariffs despite its small trade deficit.
- This stems from mineral exports and US-supported manufacturing deals, like Levi's production in Lesotho.