EXPLAINER: How Trump’s tariffs sparked a global shift on trade

As the U.S. tariff war continues to disrupt global trade, many countries are shifting their focus away from Washington. Instead, they are strengthening regional and intercontinental ties, building new alliances, and seeking alternative trade partnerships.

Ninety deals in ninety days?

Donald Trump launched his so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs with a bold promise: 90 trade deals in 90 days. It was a show of economic strength meant to draw nations to the negotiating table.

But 120 days on, just eight deals have been made, none with much detail. And rather than lining up to make new deals with the U.S., many countries are quietly moving on.

In East Asia, major export economies are joining forces. After years of stalled talks, South Korea, China, and Japan have reopened economic dialogue, working to boost trade within the region and shield themselves from U.S. tariff fallout.

At the same time, American businesses are stepping back. A recent survey by the US-China Business Council found only 48% of U.S. firms plan to invest in China this year, down from 80% in 2024, a clear sign that confidence is slipping fast.

African countries are also adapting. Rather than waiting for Western deals, governments such as Uganda’s are pushing for greater economic self-sufficiency. And some see a bigger opportunity: to finally build strong regional trade networks within the continent, trading more with neighbours and reducing reliance on outside powers.

South America is stepping into the gap too. With U.S.-China trade strained, China is looking elsewhere for key commodities, and countries such as Brazil and Argentina, major exporters of soybeans and oil, are in prime position to benefit.

Europe is expanding global trade ties

Trump did manage to strike a deal with the European Union, lowering tariffs to 15% on most EU goods. It’s a modest win, helping to stabilise relations between two major economies. But Europe isn’t stopping there. The EU is actively expanding its global trade ties, holding talks with India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, in a clear effort to hedge against future volatility.

Global Trade Is Moving On

Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy hasn’t sparked the wave of deals he promised. Instead, it’s accelerated a shift, with countries across Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe all looking elsewhere for growth, security, and stability. New alliances are forming. And increasingly, the U.S. isn’t part of them.

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