For many nations, a highly profitable trade relationship with the United States is now no longer a given. With President Trump’s tariff agenda looming over the world, how is Asia planning for a future where the U.S. may not be so open for business?

The recent tariff episode shook global economic confidence in a way that’s only been seen in the aftermath of major catastrophes, despite relief coming in the short-term. Has the damage been done to America’s trade hegemony?

America needs to come to peace with itself before it can come to peace with the rest of the world. Negotiating an economic detente that contributes to American national healing is, arguably, a question of global interest. But there won’t be any free lunches for the Americans.

An estimate of the impact of the tariff war between China and the U.S. on the Chinese GDP in 2025 is presented. The dependence of the Chinese economy on its exports and, in particular, on its exports to the U.S. has been declining significantly over time. At the current tariff rates, a total cessation of bilateral trade is a real possibility. Under the assumption, the reduction in the rate of growth of Chinese GDP may be estimated to be 1.2%, other things being equal. Even though the announced target rate of Chinese growth is around 5%, the weighted average of the target rates of growth of the provincial-level units is 5.26%, indicating room for further increase. In addition, China is expected to launch additional domestic economic stimulus measures in response to the new tariffs, which should result in an additional growth of 0.5%. For 2025 as a whole, a rate of growth of around 4.5% (5.26 – 1.2 + 0.5) may be predicted.

The effect on history of the last one — the Trump populist revolution — remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the Trump phenomenon, its support base and the logic of reform it represents, will not simply vanish.

His poorly conceived global tariff war will severely affect U.S. consumers, increase inflation, damage America’s reputation as a reliable partner and put the entire global trade system and practices that the U.S. once championed at risk.

Despite ongoing predictions of its decline, the U.S. dollar remains dominant—but rising debt, political instability, and market volatility are shaking investor confidence. If these trends persist, the world could shift toward a more fragmented and unstable multipolar monetary system.

A broad vision is necessary if the United States wants to bring industry back home. The time has come for the it to reconcile its ambitions with on-the-ground realities. Washington should develop a sustainable strategy for managing relationships with other major powers, especially China.

U.S. President Trump has raised the tariff for Chinese imports to the U.S. to 125 per cent, while granting other countries a 90-day pause. (Photo: Artwork by Wi

Donald Trump might briefly bend the rules of economics, but their core endures. Tariffs could spark a U.S. manufacturing revival, but it will be fleeting. And the fallout — higher costs of living, strained global ties and a fractured world economy — seems all but certain.