Trump's Tariffs Divide the South

On April 2, the United States imposed the most sweeping tariff hikes in recent history, disproportionately affecting its trade partners.

- PRAKASH BHANDARI

On April 2, the United States imposed the most sweeping tariff hikes in recent history, disproportionately affecting its trade partners. While the developing world has reacted with fragmented strategies, China seems determined to respond with reciprocity and consolidate a collaborative front among developing countries against the US's move. However, countries like India and Vietnam declined such collaboration and opted to negotiate individually.

Such fragmentation not only reflects a lack of unified strategy, but it also signals a complex interplay of divergent economic needs, national interests, and unfolding geopolitical realities. This article examines key patterns contributing to these fragmented strategies and reflects on their future position in the global trading system, especially in the context of ongoing US-China trade tensions.

Trump's imposition of diverse degrees of tariffs has disproportionately affected developing countries. The US hit China with a staggering 145 percent, while other developing countries like India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan are also heavily affected. The looming uncertainty about US policy has raised skepticism among developing countries, even as Trump has promised a 90-day suspension of tariffs for most countries.