讀後心得

The Süddeutsche Zeitung commentary points out that U.S. President Trump's new tariff policy is aimed at creating chaos rather than transparently communicating with the market and the public. This policy may not effectively counterbalance China; instead, it could benefit China, leading the U.S. to gradually become more isolated and damaging the image of being a pioneer of free trade. Allies such as the European Union and Japan face unprecedented challenges and may seek new economic partners, further weakening America's influence. The commentary warns that Trump's approach might ultimately harm the U.S. economic and political position and enhance China's reliable image in global trade.

There are comments stating that when the government announces major decisions related to tariffs, transparency should be maintained so that the market and the public can understand the situation. However, when the President of the United States announces new tariffs related to global free trade, it is evident that he places more emphasis on the element of surprise. The comments mention that Trump seems to intentionally create chaos, using presidential powers to unilaterally decide tariff policies and only reveal them at the last moment. This uncertainty appears to be a manifestation of his strong stance and is believed to bring greater benefits to the United States. Trump's strategy targets not only China but also includes countries like the European Union, Vietnam, Japan, and Switzerland, all of which are historical allies of the U.S.

It is pointed out in the comments that Trump's tariff policy has not effectively counterbalanced China as he claimed; rather, it may have allowed China to gain more benefits. These tariffs might persist in the long term, and Trump's actions have made the U.S. more insular, even severely damaging the World Trade Organization. As the situation evolves, former allies are starting to seek more reliable partners, with the European Union and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) emerging as potential alternatives.

Comments also indicate that Trump's tariff policy will weaken global free trade and severely test the relationships between the U.S. and its allies. This is particularly concerning as the U.S. imposes tariffs on major allies, who have been frontiers in the U.S. resistance against other major powers. Although U.S. officials reaffirm the relationship with allies, such words seem inconsequential in terms of concrete actions. If Trump continues to push for trade conflicts, Europe also has the capacity to implement countermeasures and may reduce its dependence on the U.S. economically and technologically.

In this context, Trump's decisions not only impact the progress of free trade but may also lead to a decline in the United States' international reputation. If his tariff policy is implemented, the subsequent rise in prices and inflation will be borne by ordinary people. In the long term, such policies could result in the U.S. losing its place in international markets, fundamentally altering global geopolitics and increasing the likelihood that China will emerge as a reliable trading partner.