[Perspective] The scale and scope of Trump’s tariff action — covering 59 countries and the entire European Union — signals a shift from targeted pressure to comprehensive restructuring of trade policy. Using forced labor as a tariff justification serves both as moral framing and as a strategy to find international legal basis for the levies. However, the economic consequences of such unilateral action cannot be ignored.

From a market perspective, tariffs will raise import costs and could exacerbate inflationary pressures in the US. For the EU, this represents another major test of transatlantic trade relations — European nations, already at odds with the US on Iran, may take a harder line on trade. For Asian and Latin American countries, this could accelerate de-dollarization efforts and regional trade agreements. In the long term, global supply chains may fragment further, and the authority of the multilateral trading system will continue to erode. Businesses need to reassess supply chain layouts and market strategies to navigate the uncertainty.

[Multiple Perspectives] Views on this matter differ among stakeholders. Supporters argue the measures are necessary precautions, while critics express concerns about potential negative consequences. The international community is closely monitoring developments.