Welcome to Our Newsletter! With Donald Trump’s “America First” strategy and the rollout of Reciprocal Tariffs, the rules of engagement are shifting dramatically. While the U.S. aims to correct bilateral imbalances, the ripple effects are felt far beyond its borders. Small, export-driven economies in Africa and Asia face sudden disruptions, global value chains are challenged, and traditional notions of trade fairness are put to the test. This edition takes you inside the debate: we explore who benefits, who bears the costs, and how developing countries can navigate this complex landscape.
 

PUBLICATIONS

The Global Impact of Trump’s Reciprocal Tariffs

 

Hinh T. Dinh, Otaviano Canuto

 

On April 2, 2025, Trump introduced “Reciprocal Tariffs,” imposing 10–50% duties to favor bilateral balance. While the U.S. might gain, efficiency losses and welfare uncertainties loom large. Developing export-driven economies in Africa and Asia face setbacks, and global value chains could be disrupted. But in this bold experiment, who really stands to benefit?... Read more

The Illusion of Reciprocity in Global Trade

 

Marcus Vinicius de Freitas

 

History shows U.S.-led global trade often masks power and extraction, benefiting Washington at others’ expense. Developing nations bear the costs while wealth flows outward under the guise of “fairness.” BRICS+ and multipolarity offer opportunities to diversify, hedge, and reclaim agency. But can the Global South truly turn the tables, or is this just another illusion?... Read more

Developing Countries Under Trump’s Reciprocal Tariffs: Who Wins, Who Loses?

 

Hinh T. Dinh, Cuong Le Van

 

U.S. “reciprocal tariffs,” linked to bilateral trade deficits, ripple through small, open developing economies shaping production, consumption, capital flows, and overall welfare. They also spotlight a pressing question: how can these countries turn the challenge into opportunity? Strategies like import substitution, export diversification, and regional cooperation emerge as essential tools for navigating this shifting trade landscape... Read more

(FR) American Protectionism: The Identity Weapon of the Trump Era

 

Dominique Bocquet

 

U.S. protectionism may comfort parts of the American public, but its model is neither exportable nor sustainable. By undermining global tax coordination and cutting development aid, it weakens ties between advanced and developing economies. For international cooperation, protectionism is less a cure than a poison... Read more

MULTIMEDIA

(FR) Trump, Protectionism, and the End of Free Trade?

 

In this episode, we explore the resurgence of American protectionism under Donald Trump’s second term, embodied in his “America First” strategy. We examine the implementation of tariffs imposed on the rest of the world considering current globalization dynamics, as well as their implications for the global trading order. Special attention is given to the consequences for developing countries, particularly those integrated into global value chains...Listen

The Spring of Tariff Regret

 

Amid rising U.S. trade barriers, global growth forecasts are being revised downward, financial markets are reacting, and tensions between the U.S. and China are escalating. This video unpacks the latest projections, the impact of reciprocal tariffs, and what it means for global economic stability...Watch

(AR) Tuesday Talk: Morocco and the Challenges of Tariffs in the Trump Era

 

Although Morocco is not among the United States’ largest trading partners, it remains affected by Trump’s new trade tariffs due to the 2004 Free Trade Agreement. These tariffs could alter the competitiveness of Moroccan exports, from textiles to phosphates, in the U.S. market. They may also disrupt supply chains and pricing for goods traded between the two countries. Tune in to understand these potential impacts on Morocco’s economy and bilateral trade...Watch
 

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