Trump’s Unconventional Tariff Policy Puts U.S. Allies in a Difficult Position

For President Donald Trump, raising tariffs remains his preferred way to gain leverage over adversary nations at the negotiating table – regardless of whether the issue directly relates to trade or not.

When Trump announced last week that he was increasing duties on Canada by 10% in response to an anti-tariff commercial broadcast across the United States, it eliminated any lingering doubts about his approach. The ad, released by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, quoted former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, who in 1987 criticized the use of blanket tariffs as a blunt economic weapon.

Although Trump’s move appeared disconnected from Canadian policy, his reaction came as no surprise. The message was clear – no U.S. trading partner is immune from his sudden tariff decisions.

Over the past months, countries have learned that when Trump threatens tariffs, they should take him seriously. Allies must approach Washington with a purely transactional mindset, asking: “What can we offer up?”

They must also anticipate last-minute demands – Trump’s hallmark tactic – by preparing additional concessions to secure any deal.

America’s Weaponized Tariff Strategy

Trump’s tariff strategy has moved beyond traditional trade retaliations. Under his leadership, the U.S. now imposes tariffs over political, diplomatic, or even unrelated domestic disputes. This unpredictability has left allies uncertain about what policy or comment might provoke a new round of tariffs.

Adding to the tension, Trump’s appeal of two lower court rulings – which declared his use of tariffs under emergency powers unlawful – will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court next week. If upheld, these rulings could severely restrict his ability to use tariffs as a foreign policy weapon.

Historical vs. Modern Use of Tariffs

Traditionally, tariffs were used to protect domestic industries and correct trade imbalances by raising import costs. Trump’s approach, however, is an unprecedented extension of economic coercion into geopolitics – a form of “tariff diplomacy” that challenges global norms.

Even after trade deals are finalized, Trump frequently reserves the unilateral right to alter, threaten, or impose new tariffs – making economic predictability nearly impossible for global partners.

Key Tariff Actions and Global Repercussions

Some of Trump’s tariff measures carry clear geopolitical motives, while others appear deeply personal or politically motivated.

China’s Tactical Victory

Ironically, the only nation that has effectively countered Trump’s tariff strategy is china. President Xi Jinping has mastered the art of letting Trump appear victorious in public while quietly securing favorable outcomes for Beijing. Following their recent meeting, Xi agreed to modest tariff reductions, presenting a win-win narrative that played well domestically in both nations.

Unpredictability as Policy

Trump’s tariff playbook keeps allies and adversaries alike in constant suspense. His willingness to target even long-standing partners – such as Canada, Brazil, and South Africa – signals that economic policy under his administration serves as both a negotiation tactic and a political statement.

Whether viewed as economic nationalism or diplomatic brinkmanship, Trump’s approach ensures that tariffs remain central to U.S. trade policy. As one analyst observed, “Every country is on notice – when the tariff weapon fires, no one should be surprised.”

With the Supreme Court review looming, the world waits to see whether Trump’s most potent political tool will be curtailed or re-empowered. Either way, the precedent of tariff diplomacy is already deeply embedded in modern U.S. foreign policy.