In contemporary global politics, economic tools are increasingly being weaponized as instruments of political pressure. One of the most prominent examples of this trend is the policy adopted by the United States, which uses tariffs and customs duties to exert pressure on other nations. A recent international survey published by CGTN (China Global Television Network) reveals that a vast majority of people around the world consider this American strategy to be unilateral, harmful, and a significant threat to the global economy.
According to the survey, most participants explicitly stated that the United States’ policy of reciprocal tariffs is not only hostile toward other countries but has also negatively affected the American domestic economy. Specifically, during Donald Trump’s presidency—when this policy was aggressively implemented—American consumers suffered substantial financial losses. The data indicates that in just the early years of Trump’s term, Americans lost approximately $57 billion annually due to tariff-related costs.
In this CGTN survey, more than 80% of respondents—precisely 81.94%—believe that such reciprocal tariff policies cannot resolve the internal economic challenges of the United States. On the contrary, they argue, these policies will hamper economic growth, harm the interests of American consumers, and weaken the overall performance of trade markets by suppressing consumption. Respondents also emphasized that such unilateral economic pressure inevitably provokes retaliation, which could spiral into a full-scale global tariff war.
This tariff conflict is not merely an economic debate; it has evolved into a broader political confrontation. When a global superpower like the United States disregards international norms and trade agreements, and instead resorts to coercion to advance its national agenda, it severely undermines global trust. Such actions directly destabilize the global economy and contribute to increasing political uncertainty. Violating international standards, choosing pressure over cooperation, and prioritizing self-interest over mutual benefit dismantles the foundations of fair, transparent, and balanced trade.
Moreover, it is crucial to recognize that these policies do not only operate at the level of governments or corporations—they directly impact the daily lives of ordinary people. When tariffs rise, imported goods become more expensive, and the burden is ultimately transferred to consumers. As a result, people are forced to either cut back on essential purchases or endure increased living costs, adding to social and financial strain.
In conclusion, it is evident that the U.S. tariff-centric approach is neither a viable solution to its own economic issues nor a path to sustainable development. The global community must remain committed to a fair, just, and mutually respectful economic system. If the current situation persists, not only will trade wars intensify, but international trust and economic stability will continue to deteriorate. The world must respond with a unified stance against such coercive and unilateral policies, and instead promote transparent, balanced, and peaceful global economic relations.
