US-China Extend Tariff Pause Amid Broader Trade Tensions

The United States, under President Donald Trump, continues to aggressively use tariffs as a tool in its trade and geopolitical strategy, affecting multiple countries and sectors. The US and China extended a 90-day pause on steep tariffs amid ongoing trade negotiations, even as Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods to penalize New Delhi for buying Russian oil, while China remains exempt despite being the largest Russian oil buyer. In the high-stakes US-China tech rivalry, Trump escalated tensions with threats of 245% tariffs on Chinese exports and export controls on critical AI chips, aiming to maintain US technological dominance despite slowing China's AI progress. Trump's tariffs also extend to Switzerland, with a proposed 39% tariff that has drawn criticism for its economic irrationality, given the US trade deficit with Switzerland and the nature of Swiss exports. Additionally, countries like Trinidad and Tobago face increased tariffs that disrupt their economies and global markets, highlighting the broader consequences of these protectionist policies. These moves reflect a broader US strategy to leverage tariffs for long-term geopolitical and economic advantage, though they generate significant uncertainty and disruption worldwide.