Strategy of Neoprotectionism: Intermediate Results of Aggressive Trade Policy of Trump Administration 2.0

The Trump 2.0 administration pursues the goal of restoring technological, economic, and military superiority to the United States and turning the country into a “manufacturing superpower” through a policy of “reindustrialization from a position of strength”. By implementing a strategy of “deliberate unpredictability” aimed at weakening the positions of US major competitors, Trump constantly demonstrates the “art of the deal” by using the threat of escalating aggression to test the partners’ willingness to negotiate. The “self-inflicted” diplomatic and strategic damage from Washington’s actions is equated by Trump’s opponents with the consequences of COVID-19. The adjustment of the foreign economic policy is carried out on the basis of the absolutization of national interests and ignoring the fundamental postulates of international economic relations. Given the high degree of integration of the United States into the global economy, this can have negative consequences in the form of disruption of production supply chains, rising prices for goods and services, as well as increasing challenges for investors, consumers and businesses. Protectionism hinders the progressive development of world trade and undermines economic cooperation. The countries affected by Trump’s actions are taking retaliatory measures, forming alliances and looking for alternative partners. The tough stance taken by China and some other countries forced Washington to significantly soften its tone and agree to reducing trade barriers. However, regardless of the final outcome of negotiations, higher trade barriers are likely to become the new norm, affecting international trade and encouraging fragmentation.