Considering the details of trade relations between the United States and its trading partners, Donald Trump's administration appears to be in a strong position and not a weak one, as envisioned by many parties despite the international statements in response to the US decision to proceed with protectionist measures on steel and aluminum.
What encourages Trump to pursue his protectionist policies are his victories since he began earlier this year to wave measures to restrict imports flowing into his country, a source at the World Trade Organization (WTO) said.
“Trump is armed with concessions made in the steel and aluminum file from Argentina, Brazil and Australia, so why not look forward to receiving similar concessions from other countries?” the source questioned.
“The clash Trump started with China seems to be achieving some of its goals as long as China continues to make concessions, such as the one made on Friday as the country reduced import duties on clothing, cosmetics, electronics and fish, as well as dozens of other goods from the United States,” the source added.
“The reduction is between 50 and 75 percent, and it comes after Beijing announced last week a significant symbolic concession to reduce the customs of the imported cars from the United States.”
On the European level, the scene seems to be less crucial despite the French statements.
The total value of US goods, which Europe will impose charges on in response to Trump’s decision, does not exceed $3.5 billion compared to steel and aluminum exports from Europe to the United States at $7.5 billion.
The European position was taken to 'save face', a European source told Asharq Al-Awsat.
“The measures we will be imposed will be gradual and do not amount to a declaration of a commercial war. And what we hear from the European threat in general and French in particular is political and warns from what is coming,” the source said, referring to the possibility of a US escalation in its protectionist policies during the coming period.
On the other hand, other trade sources say that Mexico is the most affected by the imposed steel and aluminum duties because 90 percent of its production is directed to the United States.
However, the issue between Mexico and the United States does not end at these two products. It is enough to raise the issue of immigrants, borders and the wall between the two countries so that we can find how Mexico can easily be singled out to make concessions, said followers to the dispute between the two countries.
