Diaspora
Assessing the Impact of President Trump’s Tariff Policies
The tariff policies implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump have caused significant disruptions in global markets, leaving many businesses uncertain about how to plan for the future. Despite repeated announcements and adjustments, the overall effectiveness of these policies remains ambiguous.
From the outset of his second term, Trump aggressively pursued tariffs as a tool for trade and security leverage. Within days of taking office, he imposed 25% tariffs on most Mexican and Canadian imports, alongside a 10% tariff on Chinese goods.
The justification was twofold: curbing the flow of fentanyl and reducing undocumented immigration. However, these tariffs were soon suspended for Canada and Mexico—albeit temporarily—for 30 days in exchange for concessions related to border security and law enforcement. China, however, remained under the initial tariff burden.
In the months that followed, Trump escalated his trade war: he reinstated and raised tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, imposed 25% duties on steel, aluminum, and automotive imports, and doubled tariffs on Chinese goods linked to fentanyl concerns to 20%.
The administration’s approach remained erratic. Tariffs on car imports from North American neighbors were introduced, suspended, and then replaced with a sweeping 25% tariff on all global car imports.
In April, Trump introduced a “reciprocal” tariff regime, applying a 10% baseline tariff on all countries. This announcement triggered turmoil in financial markets, prompting a temporary 90-day pause—though the 10% tax remained. A more punitive 145% tariff on Chinese imports was enacted, prompting a retaliatory 125% tariff on American goods from Beijing.
Some relief followed, as the U.S. began rolling back tariffs in line with new trade agreements. A limited deal with the United Kingdom reduced the U.S. tariff on British auto imports from 27.5% to 10%, frustrating domestic automakers who now faced increased competition.
A more significant development came with the temporary truce between the U.S. and China. Both nations agreed to a 90-day pause and partial rollback, with U.S. tariffs lowered to 30% and China’s to 10%, while negotiations continued.
Even before this agreement, exceptions had been quietly made for high-demand technology products such as smartphones and computers—most of which are imported from China. The deal also reduced duties on low-value Chinese imports (valued under $800), cutting the tariff from 120% to 54%.
These low-value goods, previously exempt from import duties, were criticized for being channels for cheap goods and, allegedly, for drug trafficking—one of the original rationales for imposing tariffs.
Despite these tariff reductions, uncertainty continues to plague businesses, especially small enterprises. Such businesses, which employ nearly half of the U.S. workforce and contribute 43.5% of the country’s GDP, are especially vulnerable due to their limited resources to absorb rising costs and market instability.
This economic ambiguity is contributing to broader concerns. A Bloomberg poll cited a nearly 50% chance of a U.S. recession within the next year. Consumer confidence has plunged to a 13-year low, and inflation is projected to rise mid-year—despite a modest annual inflation rate of 2.3% in April.
Retailers are already feeling the pressure. Walmart, the largest importer of container goods into the U.S. (many from China), warned that it would need to raise prices by month’s end due to persistent tariff costs—even after recent reductions.
Trump himself acknowledged potential consumer impacts, remarking that American children might “have two dolls instead of 30,” with the remaining toys costing slightly more.
While some corporations, including Apple, have announced multi-billion-dollar investment plans in the U.S., analysts note that many of these figures include prior commitments. Thus, these announcements may reflect more about financial forecasting than actual job creation.
Overall, the Trump administration’s tariff policy has been marked by unpredictability, market volatility, and limited clarity on long-term strategy. Although some trade agreements have been reached and select investments announced, the broader economic and geopolitical gains remain uncertain.
Diaspora Watch Unveils 63rd Edition: A Global Mirror of Power, Politics and People
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The 63rd edition of Diaspora Watch Newspapers has hit the stands this week, bringing readers a compelling mix of global power plays, continental shifts, economic pursuits and cultural flashpoints.
From New York to Niamey, London to Lagos, the edition offers a panoramic view of unfolding events shaping the world and Africa’s place within it.
On the cover, U.S. politics takes centre stage as President Donald Trump, addressing the United Nations, boldly declares: “No President Has Done What I’ve Done.” In a dramatic twist on African geopolitics, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger jointly announce their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, condemning it as a “neo-colonial tool.”
Kenya’s President turns to America’s corporate giants, assuring investors of stability in a pitch to attract capital inflows. Nigeria equally seizes the moment, with the NNPC outlining ambitious upstream oil and gas expansion plans targeting $60 billion in investment. Across the Caribbean, CARICOM leaders rally at the UNGA 80, pressing hard for climate justice and a development agenda that cannot be ignored.
Europe is not left out of the storm: the Welsh First Minister pointedly shuns Trump’s banquet, fueling political ripples back home, while in Africa, Cameroon’s political dynasty faces unusual pressure as President Biya’s daughter openly calls on citizens to reject her father’s re-election bid. Elsewhere, Albania breaks new ground with the appointment of an AI “Minister” to combat corruption in public procurement — a move being hailed as futuristic governance.
On the health front, the World Health Organization issues a sobering warning, noting that slowing progress on non-communicable diseases and mental health is putting millions at risk globally.
Sports enthusiasts will find gripping drama on the back page, where Manchester United’s crisis-hit boss lays down the gauntlet with a blunt declaration: “My way or no way.”
Diaspora Watch 62nd Edition Is Here!
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The 62nd edition of Diaspora Watch Newspapers is out, delivering a hard-hitting blend of global politics, African affairs, diplomacy, business, health, and culture, with stories that cut across continents and shape conversations.
Leading the cover is a riveting headline from London, where Donald Trump’s UK visit takes a dramatic turn as he sidesteps the brewing Mandelson–Epstein controversy, raising eyebrows in diplomatic and media circles alike.
In the Middle East, Saudi authorities have freed three Nigerian pilgrims detained over alleged drug trafficking, bringing relief to families back home. On the domestic front, Labour Party’s Peter Obi lambasts President Tinubu over plans for emergency rule in Rivers State, stoking fresh political debates.
The global economy also takes centre stage: the United Kingdom secures a massive £150 billion U.S. investment as Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Donald Trump strike a landmark tech deal. Meanwhile, South Sudan is plunged deeper into crisis as President Salva Kiir suspends his deputy, Riek Machar, and accuses him of treason.
In Asia, U.S.-China tensions flare once again as Beijing slams Nvidia with monopoly breach accusations, just as both nations resume sensitive trade talks. Public health makes headlines with the World Health Organization’s grim report of a 50% surge in global cholera deaths. From Europe, Spain introduces disaster preparedness lessons for children, a move hailed as a pioneering approach to climate resilience.
The Caribbean bloc, CARICOM, issues a firm condemnation of Israel’s strike on Qatar, insisting on respect for international law. In the energy sector, the United States oil industry struggles as job losses mount and companies slash spending amid sliding prices.
On the cultural front, Hollywood dazzles as Brad Pitt and The Studio emerge dominant at the 2025 Emmy Awards, sealing their place in entertainment history.
With fearless reportage and bold editorial framing, Diaspora Watch continues to provide the diaspora community with sharp insights and global perspectives, reinforcing its position as the voice of Africans abroad and a trusted lens on world affairs.
The 62nd edition is available now in print and digital formats.
Global Economic Shifts Dominate Diaspora Watch’s 56th Edition
The 56th edition of Diaspora Watch is out, and it’s packed with insightful analysis on the latest global economic trends.
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This issue shines a spotlight on the US sanctions targeting firms across Asia and the Middle East over their links to Iran’s oil industry, sparking a ripple effect in the global energy market.
Meanwhile, Africa is making a strategic pivot towards China, capitalizing on the Asian giant’s economic prowess amidst US tariffs. This shift is poised to redefine Africa’s economic landscape and open up new opportunities for growth and development.
In other news, the 2025 ACTIF conference brought together key stakeholders, including Amb. Tochil Nwaneri, as the Africa and Caribbean regions signed $290 million worth of deals. This landmark agreement is set to bolster economic ties between the two regions and drive progress.
Japanese investors are also taking notice of Africa’s growth story, eyeing opportunities to tap into the continent’s vast potential.
However, the US fertility rate has plummeted to 1.6 kids per woman, raising concerns about the country’s demographic future.
On the faith front, Bishop Ogunedo urged the faithful to maintain firm faith in the Lord Jesus, emphasizing the importance of spiritual resilience in these uncertain times.
This edition of Diaspora Watch also highlights the NNPC’s assurance of speedy delivery of the $2.8 billion AKK gas pipeline project, Guyana’s new official residence for the CARICOM Secretary-General, and Tinubu’s conferment of national honors on the Super Falcons.
Stay informed with Diaspora Watch’s 56th edition, your premier source for global news and analysis.
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