The Trump administration has embarked on an ambitious campaign to rewrite a range of trade rules, aiming to extract significant concessions from both allies and adversaries. This strategy reflects a broader shift in U.S. trade policy, characterized by a focus on bilateral agreements rather than multilateral frameworks, which the administration perceives as more advantageous for American interests. By leveraging tariffs, renegotiating existing trade deals, and imposing stringent measures on countries deemed non-compliant, the administration seeks to compel both friends and foes to align more closely with U.S. economic objectives. This approach, while designed to bolster domestic industries and protect American jobs, has sparked concerns about potential retaliation from trading partners and the long-term implications for global trade relations.
