In a recent move announced via Twitter, President Joe Biden has implemented hefty tariffs on various Chinese products, including 25% on steel and aluminum, 50% on semiconductors and solar panels, and 100% on electric vehicles. This strategic economic decision is positioned as part of greater efforts to prevent China from becoming the dominant global power in these crucial industries and to secure the United States' leadership role. Biden’s tariffs indicate a shift towards protectionist measures in a climate that has seen a decline in international trade volumes compared to global GDP since 2008.

The escalation of tariffs highlights a growing trend towards reducing international trade, a phenomenon last clearly observed before World War II when trade restrictions were common. Historically, the decline in trade was linked to significant economic downturns, suggesting that repeated such measures could raise concerns about a similar pattern reoccurring today. Economists generally favor free trade as it has shown to provide greater benefits than complete isolationist policies or partial trade restrictions such as tariffs and quotas.

Biden’s tariffs could potentially ignite further trade tensions not only with China but also among other global partners who may view these actions as hostile. As nations evaluate their trade strategies in light of these shifts, the implications of such tariffs extend beyond just the U.S. and China, potentially reshaping international economic relationships and impacting the global supply chain.''