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.

The US Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Trump administration, allowing the termination of deportation protections for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans living in the United States.

The court’s decision reverses a lower court ruling that had blocked the administration’s plan to strip Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from Venezuelans.

TPS, introduced in 1990, permits individuals from countries experiencing war, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions to live and work in the US legally.

Venezuelans were granted TPS in 2021 due to the country’s complex humanitarian crisis, marked by widespread hunger, malnutrition, and a crumbling infrastructure.

The Trump administration argued that the California federal court had overstepped its authority by interfering with the executive branch’s powers on immigration and foreign affairs.

The Supreme Court’s unsigned order gave no explanation for the decision, with only Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissenting.

The decision could lead to significant changes in US immigration rules, putting hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans at risk of deportation.

Many have lived and worked in the country for years, contributing to the economy and building lives. Ahilan Arulanantham, representing TPS holders, described the ruling as “the largest single action stripping any group of non-citizens of immigration status in modern US history”.

Affected families will face an impossible choice between survival and stability.

Cecilia Gonzalez Herrera, a plaintiff in the case, expressed concerns about the humanitarian and economic impact, stating that the decision will “force families to be in an impossible position either choosing to survive or choosing stability”.

The Trump administration is expected to revoke TPS protections for tens of thousands of Haitians in August.

The ruling marks the latest in a series of decisions on immigration policies from the high court, with the administration seeking to undo Biden-era protections and increase deportations.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) welcomed the ruling, stating that it will help reinstitute integrity into the US immigration system.

However, advocates for TPS holders argue that the decision will cause irreparable harm to families and communities.

Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the transitional president of Burkina Faso, has been making waves in West Africa and across the globe with his revolutionary and anti-colonial agenda.

Since assuming power in September 2022, Traoré has pursued a bold path, expelling French soldiers and strengthening ties with Russia.

Under his leadership, Burkina Faso has nationalized its wealth by creating a state mining corporation, Société de Participation Minière du Burkina (SOPAMIB).

This move has scored points with advocates for pro-national governance, where the country’s wealth is distributed primarily within its borders.

Traoré’s administration has also granted an industrial mining license to Russian company Nordgold for a new gold project, projected to contribute significantly to Burkina Faso’s state budget.

This development reiterates the country’s shift toward economic nationalism under Traoré’s leadership.

Despite facing security challenges, including deadly terrorist attacks, Traoré remains committed to finding solutions outside of institutions that historically colonized his people.

Burkina Faso is exploring military cooperation with Russia, with negotiations showing positive signs.

Traoré’s popularity has grown organically, with many Africans embracing him as a symbol of resistance, independence, and Pan-African pride.

His actions have sparked a continental conversation, and possibly, a movement.

As the international community watches, Traoré’s legacy will depend on how the tides of history unfold.

One thing is certain his bold moves have redefined economic governance in Burkina Faso and inspired a new generation of Africans.