U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled an ambitious set of tariffs, including a 34% levy on imports from China and a 20% tax on goods from the European Union, signalling a dramatic intensification of global trade tensions.

These sweeping measures also impact Ghana, which will face a 10% baseline import tax.

Speaking from the Rose Garden, Trump declared a national economic emergency, justifying the tariffs as a means to revitalise domestic manufacturing and end what he referred to as decades of economic exploitation by foreign nations.

“Our country has been looted, pillaged, raped, and plundered by other nations,” Trump stated. “Taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years. But that will not happen anymore.”

The newly imposed tariffs, introduced without Congressional approval under the 1977 International Emergency Powers Act, target numerous countries with significant trade surpluses with the U.S. Ghana, along with other affected nations, will be subjected to a 10% import tax across the board, adding pressure to global supply chains.

Economic Fallout and Recession Fears

The announcement has already sparked a sharp sell-off on U.S. stock markets as investors brace for an economic slowdown. Analysts predict that rising prices on essential goods such as housing, cars, and clothing will hurt both domestic and global economies.

Economists are concerned that the tariffs could usher in a global recession, with Olu Sonola of Fitch Ratings warning that the average U.S. tariff rate is set to rise from 2.5% in 2024 to 22%.

“Many countries will likely fall into a recession,” Sonola cautioned. “If these tariff levels remain for an extended period, most economic forecasts will need to be revised drastically.”

Comparisons to the Great Depression

Critics have drawn parallels with the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which exacerbated the Great Depression by triggering a global trade war.

Scott Lincicome and Colin Grabow of the Cato Institute have warned that Trump’s policies could have similar devastating effects.

“With today’s announcement, U.S. tariffs will reach levels not seen since the Smoot-Hawley Act, which contributed to the global economic downturn during the Great Depression,” they noted.

Global Backlash and Retaliatory Measures

Trump’s new tariffs are set to affect key trading partners worldwide, with the notable exception of Canada and Mexico, which will continue to be governed by existing USMCA trade agreements. China, in particular, faces a double burden: in addition to the 34% general tariff, it will also incur a 20% penalty tax for its role in fentanyl production.

The European Union and other impacted countries, including Ghana, are expected to retaliate with their own tariffs, further escalating trade tensions.

Despite this, Trump remains resolute, claiming that the new measures will generate hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue and restore fairness to global trade.

Despite warnings from Republican lawmakers, especially those from agricultural and border states, the White House has shown no signs of reconsidering its strategy.

This stance has sparked concerns over the potential long-term effects on Ghana and other developing nations that depend on trade with the U.S. for their economic stability.

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