Quote from: God Of Thunder on Today at 09:10:49 AM

Since Mr. Trump imposed tariffs on most countries a few days ago (even though they paused them), I assume China will take this opportunity to build good business relationships with these countries. Most countries will avoid doing business with the USA because of the tariff. If they can have a good alternative like china, there is no reason they will pay more taxes to export their products to the USA.

Even if those countries continue to do business with the USA, the people of the USA should know that now they will have to pay more money to buy imported products. No country will export products without making a profit. More tariffs mean higher prices, and the people of your country will have to pay for them. Not who exports it.

Suppose Bangladesh were exporting a polo shirt for $2 each. Now, after the tariff, they will export the same quality for $3 each. The people of USA will have to pay more to buy the same shirt.

Of course. China is NOT stupid. It will take advantage of the opportunity to do business with other countries. My guess is that the EU will become China's "biggest customer" once China stops doing business with the US. Meanwhile, America will be left isolated due to excessive tariffs and rising geopolitical tensions. That's what I think will happen if Trump's strategy fails in the long run.

After the downfall of the US as the world's largest economy, China will take over as its successor. That's a big "IF", because the EU is also a strong economic force. It might become #1, while China remains the second-largest economy in the world. Like you've said, the cost of tariffs will be passed on to consumers. Countries themselves won't be paying a "cent". This will further exacerbate the inflation problem. If Trump manages to convince manufacturers to move their production to the US, then costs will decline significantly for Americans. But I could be wrong...