Trump has imposed 54% tariffs on top of existing tariffs bringing the total tariffs to 104% on China. Fellas, what we are seeing is full blown economic war. Unlike his first term, Trump is determined to follow through trade tariffs whether it will lead to recession or not. Wars have been started for less. Honestly speaking, in a way Trump is not wrong. As you know China used to lend money to real estate investors after 2008 crisis to keep their economy going. However, that train came to a grinding halt in 2021 when their real estate market crashed.
Now the Chinese banks in the last 2 years have lent close to $2 Trillion to industries mainly which are export led. That is why they have excess overcapacity. Biden administration was already wary of Chinese automobile exports wiping out American jobs. That is why he raised tariffs on Chinese cars. And even EU followed suit with 45% tariffs on Chinese EVs. I believe this trade war is essential to keep Chinese unfair trade policies in check. What it will lead to is a question I cannot answer.
I believe deep down most Democrats, EU politicians are not happy about tariffs being imposed on their allies. But they are perfectly fine to see tariffs on Chinese imports.
While China focuses on industrial expansion, domestic consumer spending remains weak due to a housing market crash and limited social safety nets.
economictimes.indiatimes.com