Trump's trade tactics: who will dare to challenge him
Since Donald Trump announced 35% tariffs on products from Canada, the world has been holding its breath.
That 35% figure is huge. Europe and Japan are paying 15%, while the UK, under Labour leader Keir Starmer—a theoretical ideological opponent of Trump—has negotiated a 10% rate.
The new US tariffs will take effect on August 7, one week later than Trump initially stated. This gives countries another window to try and negotiate lower rates.
Frustration is growing because, although the EU announced it would accept a 15% tariff on its exports to the US, key details of the deal are still missing. Trump's executive order has done little to fill the legal gaps.
The EU has also tried to minimize criticism regarding its vague commitment to buy a staggering $750 billion worth of American energy as part of the agreement, a figure that has raised concerns among both environmental groups and market analysts. Officials released a statement insisting that the figure is "based on a thorough and robust assessment" that considers a list of investments in technology, nuclear reactors, and services.
But how robust is the entire package? The deal may have been the result of slightly less extensive negotiations than Brussels lets on.
Before the door closed, several other countries had struck deals with Trump. These cover about 60% of US imports that were threatened with "reciprocal tariffs" and avoid higher duties rather than eliminating them entirely.
The UK's tariff rate was reduced from 25% to 10%; Vietnam's percentage dropped from 46% to 20%; The rate for Japan was reduced from 25% to 15%.
Meanwhile, China, which had previously threatened harsh retaliation, has a deadline of August 12.
This shows that Trump can be challenged, but who will dare?
Trump's negotiation tactics have involved extreme demands and threats to restrict access to the lucrative US market. Politically, these tactics have proven effective: several countries have agreed to impose tariffs on their exports while promising to buy more American goods.
The deal with Japan involved similar concessions. In exchange for lower tariffs, Japan will invest $550 billion in the US. The White House says this money will "rebuild and expand core American industries," including energy, shipbuilding, and pharmaceuticals, with the US keeping 90% of the profits.
There are, however, some worrying trends behind the headline economic data. US imports fell by 30% in the second quarter of 2025, and domestic private investment is declining. If this situation continues, it could further harm American businesses.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
