Trump's Reciprocal Tariffs Spark Global Trade Tensions

President Donald Trump's new 'reciprocal tariffs' have taken effect, significantly impacting global trade by imposing a total of 104% on Chinese imports and varying rates on other countries, such as 50% on Lesotho and 20% on the European Union. These tariffs are designed to pressure countries with trade surpluses against the U.S. and are part of Trump's broader strategy to revive American manufacturing. Economists, however, warn of potential inflation and harm to U.S. consumers, while China has announced retaliatory tariffs. The imposition coincides with the end of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, further complicating U.S.-Africa trade relations. Meanwhile, some countries are seeking negotiations to reduce their tariff rates to avoid a global trade war.