U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff strategy has rattled global financial markets, as investors weigh the impact of higher import costs and mounting trade frictions. The latest round of levies, introduced under Trump’s “reciprocal” tariff order, has raised concerns among businesses and trading partners about escalating protectionism.
The order, which took effect on August 7, imposes import duty rates ranging from 10% to 41% on exports from 69 countries. This move pushed the average U.S. import duty to its highest level in a century, a shift that analysts say could disrupt supply chains and consumer prices in the months ahead.
Adding to the volatility are a series of legal challenges against the measures, alongside Trump’s renewed push for bilateral trade deals. While the administration argues the tariffs will protect American jobs and industries, critics warn they could deepen global economic uncertainty and trigger retaliatory action from key partners.
