讀後心得

After the sharp decline in the U.S. stock market, pro-democracy protests erupted across all 50 states and around the world over the weekend. Trump has reignited the tariff war, with a 10% baseline tariff that took effect on the 5th, and differential tariffs set to take effect on the 9th, leading to turmoil in the financial markets and raising concerns about an economic recession. His announced economic plan is expected to drive prosperity in the U.S., and he plans to impose high tariffs on several countries, affecting the prices of goods for American consumers. During the protests, tens of thousands condemned the policies of Trump and Musk, accusing them of violating human rights and freedom.

Just after the weekend following the sharp drop in the US stock market, a protest organized by pro-democracy movement groups erupted in all 50 states of the United States and around the world. The Trump 2.0 tariff war has resumed! The 10% baseline tariff took effect at 12:01 AM Eastern Time on the 5th, while the retaliatory tariffs will take effect at 12:01 AM on the 9th. This comprehensive import tax policy has led to turmoil in the financial markets, raised concerns about a recession in the US economy, and disrupted the global trading system, while the American public may also suffer from the damages caused by the tariffs.

Earlier this week, the President of the United States unveiled his economic plan to the world, claiming that this plan would eventually drive growth and prosperity in the American economy. On April 2, a day referred to as "Liberation Day," he announced substantial tariffs on countries worldwide, including many of America's allies: "April 2, 2025, will be remembered forever—the day American industry is reborn, the moment America's destiny is reasserted, and a historic moment when we embark on the journey of 'Making America Prosperous Again.' For decades, our nation has been ravaged and plundered by neighbors near and far, whether so-called allies or hostile countries."

During an event in the White House Rose Garden, a poster displayed showed that all imported goods from Cambodia would face one of the highest tax rates at 49%. Other newly announced retaliatory tariffs include: Vietnam 46%, China 34%, European Union 20%, Japan 24%, South Korea 25%, Taiwan 32%. Although multiple countries have claimed they will implement retaliatory tariffs in response, and China has announced a 34% tariff on US goods, the more direct impact of Trump's move is that American consumers will face rising prices on various goods.

Due to the widespread imposition of a 10% tariff on imported goods, when US companies absorb the cost of import taxes, prices of various imported goods must inevitably rise. China, Taiwan, and South Korea are facing retaliatory tariffs—meaning that the US will impose the same tariff rates on goods imported from these economies as those countries impose on US goods. This implies that prices for electronic products imported from these regions, including smartphones, televisions, and computers, could skyrocket. Furthermore, Trump has previously announced a 25% tariff on imported cars, leading consumers to face significant increases in automobile prices.

Such price increases will also affect the clothing and footwear sector, as most apparel and footwear sold by major retailers are produced overseas. The tariff policy may also impact the food and beverage industry, as the US imports a large amount of raw materials like coffee beans from Latin American countries. In terms of alcoholic beverages, most wines and whiskies in the American market come from European countries. Despite expectations that this could lead to rising prices in the US, related economic advisers remain confident that this is a correct decision and believe it will place the US in a more advantageous economic position in the long run.

Just after the weekend following the sharp drop in the US stock market, a protest organized by pro-democracy movement groups erupted in all 50 states of the United States and around the world, with tens of thousands participating to protest the related policies and condemn the "malicious takeover of the government" and the infringement of human rights and freedoms.