Tariffs appeal could divide US top court unpredictably

The United States has historically championed free trade, particularly after World War II.

- PRABHU DAYAL

The United States has historically championed free trade, particularly after World War II. It played a key role in establishing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and later the World Trade Organization (WTO), both promoting reduced trade barriers. While the US has negotiated numerous Free Trade Agreements, its commitment to free trade has recently been a topic of debate, especially with the rise of protectionist sentiment.

President Trump has made tariffs on imports from other countries the central plank of his administration's trade policy. Trump's tariffs, while intended to boost domestic production and jobs, are having a complex set of global and domestic economic effects. While the tariffs are designed to protect specific domestic industries and raise revenue, the overall economic impact on the US and the global economy is turning out to be negative, resulting in reduced trade, higher costs, and decreased growth.

The tariffs are sparking intense uncertainty in the US and it is unclear how it will all end. The full impact of these tariffs is still unfolding, and economic projections may vary depending on how consumers, businesses, and governments respond. The implementation of Trump's tariffs could significantly impact economic growth within the US.