Trump Tariffs Threaten to Upend Global Economic Order
The invoking of national security to unravel trade agreements could scramble the international trading system in China’s favor.President Trump’s move this weekend to slap sweeping tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China is threatening to fracture the global trading system and a world economic order that once revolved around a U.S. economy that prized open investment and free markets.
The speed and scope of the import duties that Mr. Trump unveiled in executive orders on Saturday prompted widespread criticism from many lawmakers, economists and business groups, who assailed the actions as economic malpractice. They warned that the tariffs, which were levied in response to Mr. Trump’s concerns about fentanyl smuggling and illegal immigration, could inflame inflation, cripple American industries and make China an even more powerful global trade hub.
Mr. Trump on Sunday defended the tariffs while acknowledging that there could be some negative consequences.

Trump Tariffs Threaten to Upend Global Economic Order
The invoking of national security to unravel trade agreements could scramble the international trading system in China’s favor.