讀後心得

The Swiss "Neue Zürcher Zeitung" commented on Trump's tariff policy, pointing out that its protectionist fantasies cannot bring economic prosperity to the United States; instead, it will elevate inflation and suppress growth. If affected countries retaliate, the global economy could fall into crisis, and Europe should avoid retaliatory tariffs to maintain the trading system. The Austrian "Die Presse" reminds Europe that in the face of a potential currency war, it should enhance competitiveness and seek new trade agreements. The "Wall Street Journal" analyzes Trump's tariff policy as being unequal, which may encourage closer trade relations with China. The "Independent" warns that a trade war will make the United States poorer, emphasizing that tariffs can only be reduced through negotiation to avoid further conflict.

The Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung commented on Trump's latest tariff policy, stating: “The America of his dreams is a country that is completely economically independent, able to smelt steel, manufacture furniture, cars, and ships on its own. However, this protectionism will not usher in a new golden age for the United States; rather, it will impose a heavy cost on consumers and producers. Although the U.S. has a large domestic market, the impact of foreign trade on its economy is smaller compared to Germany and Switzerland, the tariff policy will raise inflationary pressure in the U.S. and suppress economic growth. The key now is how the affected countries respond to Trump's policy shift. If these countries feel dissatisfied and take retaliatory actions, the world may regress to the era of mercantilism, leading to a severe global economic crisis. To avoid this situation, Europe should try to avoid retaliatory tariffs, uphold the global trading system, and strengthen free trade relations with like-minded countries. The EU and Switzerland could play a pioneering role in this area, enhancing economic ties with Asian countries affected by U.S. protectionism, including China and Latin America.”

The Austrian newspaper Die Presse commented: “The interest rate gap between the two sides of the Atlantic is widening, and the depreciation of the euro against the dollar makes European goods cheaper for American consumers, partially offsetting the impact of tariffs. However, if exchange rate fluctuations render trade policies ineffective, Trump will not sit idly by. Trump's advisors have crafted a detailed plan to address this situation through a significant depreciation of the dollar. If the U.S. and Europe devalue their currencies against each other, China, a country with a strict currency control, will not remain passive. In a currency war, the winners are often the bystanders who do not participate. Europe should focus on enhancing its core competitiveness, signing new trade agreements, and proving to financial markets that it is a stable pillar in today's turbulent world.”