US trade relationship is damaged beyond repair

While the US's 'Liberation Day' tariffs could be seen as a negotiating tactic, it may have backfired, irrevocably changing trade relations around the world.

- Lindi Botha

Speakers at the International Fresh Produce Association's Fresh Solutions day in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, held at the end of May, said the world would not return to pre-April 2025 trade patterns, even if the 'Liberation Day' tariffs were scrapped.

"[US President Donald] Trump's way of negotiating is to start with an outrageously high number, so that a lower figure becomes more palatable, even if it is higher than before," said Emile du Plessis, head of behavioural economics and economic insights at Standard Bank.