Ho Chi Minh Times

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Trump Administration's Tariff Policies and Dollar Strategy Spark Global Economic Debate

Trump Administration's Tariff Policies and Dollar Strategy Spark Global Economic Debate

Sweeping tariffs and proposed currency realignment under the "Mar-a-Lago Accord" raise questions about U.S. economic direction

On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump declared "Liberation Day," initiating a broad tariff policy that imposed a 10% levy on all imports, with certain countries facing rates up to 50%. These measures led to immediate economic disruptions, including stock market declines and concerns among American businesses. Within a week, the administration paused most tariffs, except those on China, which were increased to 145%. Subsequent negotiations resulted in a 90-day agreement reducing U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% and Chinese tariffs on U.S. goods to 10%.

The U.S. dollar experienced a significant decline, falling nearly 10% in the first 100 days of Trump's second term, marking the steepest drop for a new administration this century. Analysts attribute this to trade uncertainties, rising fiscal deficits, and declining investor confidence in U.S. economic policies. The dollar index has decreased by 10.6% since January, with concerns about the U.S.'s growing debt—projected to rise by $3 to $5 trillion due to new tax cuts—exacerbating market anxiety.

Central to the administration's economic strategy is the "Mar-a-Lago Accord," a concept proposed by Stephen Miran, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. The accord suggests a coordinated effort among major economies to devalue the U.S. dollar, aiming to address trade imbalances and revitalize American manufacturing. Miran's November 2024 paper outlines the rationale for this approach, drawing parallels to the 1985 Plaza Accord, which successfully depreciated the dollar to correct trade deficits.

Critics argue that the administration's focus on dollar devaluation overlooks structural issues such as fiscal deficits and the need for comprehensive economic reforms. The recent tax and spending bill, projected to add $3.8 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, has intensified concerns about the sustainability of U.S. fiscal policy. Following the bill's passage, global bond markets experienced a significant sell-off, with long-term U.S. Treasury yields reaching their highest levels since 2023.

While the administration's policies have garnered support from segments of the electorate concerned about trade deficits and manufacturing decline, economists caution that currency manipulation and protectionist measures may not yield the desired economic outcomes. The effectiveness of the "Mar-a-Lago Accord" and its potential impact on the global financial system remain subjects of ongoing debate among policymakers and financial experts.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Ho Chi Minh Times
0:00
0:00
Close
Bangkok Ranked World's Top City for Remote Work in 2025
Satirical Sketch Sparks Political Spouse Feud in South Korea
Indonesia Quarry Collapse Leaves Multiple Dead and Missing
South Korean Election Video Pulled Amid Misogyny Outcry
Asian Economies Shift Away from US Dollar Amid Trade Tensions
Netflix Investigates Allegations of On-Set Mistreatment in K-Drama Production
US Defence Chief Reaffirms Strong Ties with Singapore Amid Regional Tensions
Vietnam Faces Strategic Dilemma Over China's Mekong River Projects
Malaysia's First AI Preacher Sparks Debate on Islamic Principles
Meta and Anduril Collaborate on AI-Driven Military Augmented Reality Systems
U.S. Goods Imports Plunge Nearly 20% Amid Tariff Disruptions
Alcohol Industry Faces Increased Scrutiny Amid Health Concerns
Italy Faces Population Decline Amid Youth Emigration
Foreign Tax Provision in U.S. Budget Bill Alarms Investors
Trump Accuses China of Violating Trade Agreement
OpenAI Faces Competition from Cheaper AI Rivals
Russia Accuses Serbia of Supplying Arms to Ukraine
Gerry Adams Wins Libel Case Against BBC
EU Central Bank Pushes to Replace US Dollar with Euro as World’s Main Currency
Philippines Signals Openness to China Talks Amid South China Sea Tensions
Chinese Woman Dies After Being Forced to Visit Bank Despite Critical Illness
BLACKPINK Confirms Three Bangkok Concerts for 'Deadline' World Tour in October 2025
China and Vietnam Resume Cross-Border Passenger Train Service After Five-Year Hiatus
Hong Kong International Airport's Terminal 2 Set for Phased Reopening Starting September
U.S. Health Secretary Ends Select COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
Trump Warns Putin Is 'Playing with Fire' Amid Escalating Ukraine Conflict
India and Pakistan Engage Trump-Linked Lobbyists to Influence U.S. Policy
U.S. Halts New Student Visa Interviews Amid Enhanced Security Measures
Trump Administration Cancels $100 Million in Federal Contracts with Harvard
SpaceX Starship Test Flight Ends in Failure, Mars Mission Timeline Uncertain
King Charles Affirms Canadian Sovereignty Amid U.S. Statehood Pressure
Cathay Pacific Issues Apology After Toddler Served Wine on Flight
France and Vietnam Sign $10 Billion in Strategic Agreements
Denmark Increases Retirement Age to 70, Setting a European Precedent
UK Leads in Remote Work Adoption, Averaging 1.8 Days a Week
The Daily Debate: The Fall of the Dollar — Strategic Reset or Economic Self-Destruction?
Trump Administration's Tariff Policies and Dollar Strategy Spark Global Economic Debate
Bitcoin Surpasses $111,000 Mark for the First Time
OpenAI Acquires Jony Ive’s Startup for $6.5 Billion to Build a Revolutionary “Third Core Device”
BYD Surpasses Tesla in European Electric Vehicle Sales
UK Exposes Russian Cyber Campaign Targeting Ukraine Aid Networks
Taiwan claims China is using cash to win over developing nations
European Parliament Suspends Huawei Lobbyists Amid Corruption Probe
European Parliament Considers Lifting Immunity of Five MEPs in Huawei Investigation
India Blocks Thousands of Social Media Accounts Amid Tensions with Pakistan
Russia Expands Military Presence Near Finland Amid Rising Tensions
President Biden’s announcement of advanced prostate cancer sparked public sympathy—but behind closed doors, Democrats are in panic
Thailand and Indonesia Strengthen Bilateral Relations to Enhance ASEAN Cooperation
US Administration Signals Potential Tariffs for 18 Trade Partners
A Chinese company made solar tiles that look way nicer than regular panels!
×