jordan pulse -

By Ahmed Abdelbaset Al-Rjoub
Jordanian researcher and writer

In a surprising move that shook global markets, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on April 2, 2025, the imposition of comprehensive tariffs on imports, with significant increases on products from dozens of countries. This decision, described by some as an "economic bomb," sparked a wave of panic, reviving memories of past financial crises.
Is this the beginning of a global trade war? Or is it a strategic plan to revive the U.S. economy?
Trump justified his decision by citing his desire to boost the U.S. economy through:
• Reducing the massive trade deficit, which has hit record numbers.
• Encouraging global companies to produce locally within the United States.
• Protecting jobs in struggling domestic industries.

However, economists warn that this move could backfire, as many U.S. industries rely on imported raw materials, which may lead to higher production costs and increased prices for consumers.

Repercussions of the Decision: Markets in Panic
Within hours of the announcement, the fallout became clear:
• A sharp collapse in Wall Street indices, with massive losses recorded.
• A decline in the value of the dollar against major currencies.
• A significant in oil prices.
• Investors fleeing to safer assets amid the volatility.

Global reactions were swift, with major economies like China and the European Union announcing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products. Many governments accused Trump of violating global trade rules, warning of the collapse of the international economic order in favor of new alliances.

Analysts believe the decision could lead to:
1. A sharp rise in prices, with expectations of significantly higher inflation.
2. An additional burden on American households, which may have to pay thousands of dollars more annually.
3. Slowed economic growth, potentially pushing the global economy into recession.

Expert Warnings: "A Dangerous Gamble"
Prominent economists described the decision as "reckless economic management," while opposition politicians called for halting these measures before it’s too late.
The Bigger Question: Who Will Win in the End?
Despite the U.S. administration’s insistence that these measures are temporary, risks loom on the horizon, including:
• Escalating tensions with China into a full-blown economic war.
• A shift in the global trade system toward competing alliances.
• Eroding confidence in the dollar as the dominant global currency.

Are There Hidden Dimensions?
Amid this economic escalation, some analyses link these tariffs to broader geopolitical contexts, particularly the Iranian dossier. Observers suggest that both China and Russia may push the U.S. toward further tension in this arena, indirectly destabilizing the international scene—akin to "dragging Trump into the Iranian furnace" to drain Washington’s resources and divert its focus.
If this escalation coincides with a trade war, it could ignite a dual economic and geopolitical crisis, placing the U.S.—and the Trump administration in particular—in an unenviable position, especially as markets turn into an open battleground.

Analytical Perspective: Between Economic Realism and Political Gambling.
President Trump’s decision to impose sweeping tariffs cannot be separated from the "protectionist" tendency—an economic policy adopted by some nations to shield domestic industries from foreign competition, which lies at the core of his economic philosophy. He seeks to reshape the international economic order to serve America’s interests first, even if it contradicts the principles of globalization that Washington itself championed for decades.

However, this approach overlooks the fact that the U.S. economy is no longer an isolated entity but part of an interconnected web of global supply chains. A drastic intervention in this system could trigger violent repercussions for the U.S. itself before affecting others.
Amid the escalating tit-for-tat measures, the world appears to be heading toward a phase of "forced economic multipolarity," where alternative blocs form outside U.S. influence—potentially stripping Washington of its central role in the global economic system.
The sustainability of any economic reform requires a balance between national interests and openness to global partners. Using the economy as a political pressure tool may yield quick gains, but in the long run, it is a high-stakes gamble.

Conclusion: An Uncertain Future
Will this move fulfill Trump’s promises of creating millions of jobs? Or will it go down in history as an economic shock that triggered a global crisis?
The current scene resembles a powder keg… and the spark has already been lit!