Part 6/9:
The specifics of Trump's tariffs showcased a controversial strategy. The U.S. government highlighted tariffs on certain poorer countries like Cambodia and Laos, industries reliant on exports to American consumers. This raised glaring ethical questions. The very individuals who often work in subpar conditions to produce affordable goods would be the ones most impacted by U.S. tariffs, potentially sparking humanitarian crises.
Additionally, the high tariffs came at a time when international relationships were already fraught, forcing countries that depend on the U.S. market, like Cambodia, to reassess their economic alignments—shifting not necessarily towards the U.S. but possibly towards China in order to stabilize their economies.