Part 8/11:
Beyond economic factors, the tariffs also represent a strategic response to China's growing global influence. China has leveraged its manufacturing capabilities to dominate supply chains in critical industries such as electronics and renewable energy. While tariffs may reduce imports from China, they do not eliminate dependency; they merely shift reliance to other countries.
The political ramifications have also generated division. Supporters of tariffs assert they are necessary to counter China’s manipulation of global trade. However, critics contend that poorly executed tariffs have primarily harmed American consumers and smaller businesses while failing to rectify the underlying issues of trade imbalances.