Trump's Potential Presidency Raises Trade Concerns

As the U.S. presidential election approaches, the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House has sparked concerns about significant changes to global trade policies. Trump has proposed imposing minimum tariffs of 10% on all imports and increasing tariffs on Chinese goods, which could lead to economic repercussions for countries like Canada and Malaysia, heavily reliant on trade with the U.S. Experts warn that such protectionist measures might trigger retaliatory actions and disrupt supply chains, particularly in Southeast Asia's semiconductor and solar industries. Economists also express apprehension that Trump's tariffs could exacerbate inflation and create market turmoil, with potential global ramifications. While some analysts believe a Trump presidency could shift U.S. foreign policy towards isolationism, others suggest that pragmatic negotiations with adversaries like China could emerge. Ultimately, the election outcome could reshape international relations and the economic landscape significantly.