Following the April 2nd “Liberation Day” announcement, financial markets plunged as the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and Brent crude dropped over 10%, while gold prices soared to record highs amid rising volatility and a weakening U.S. dollar.
Since Bretton Woods in 1944, Western economic policy has favored reducing trade barriers for growth. The world’s largest economy imposing broad tariffs marks a major shift with deep global market implications.
With former President Trump moving to implement his policy agenda, initial measures have already been set in motion. He has declared a state of emergency at the border, leveraging his executive powers to impose tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico, with the European Union (EU) now in his sights.
Amid a wave of announcements, the most disruptive to the international order is arguably the president’s declaration that global taxation frameworks must be reformed. Specifically, he plans to double taxes on foreign nationals and companies that engage in discriminatory practices against U.S. businesses.
Fourteen days into the year and the world holds its breath, as Trump prepares to retake control of the White House with a very different policy agenda to Biden. In terms of the economy overall, the USA should therefore continue to outperform other G8 countries, as the combination of tax breaks, deregulation and energy sector growth acts to boost GDP.
