Without a means of enforcing bilateral trade agreements, Trump could simply change the terms of any deal down the road. The answer is to kick the U.S. out of the World Trade Organization, argues professor Kristen Hopewell.

When Trump threatened Brazil with punishing tariffs on Wednesday, there was no fancy mathematical equation trotted out this time as justification.

The 50% levy on goods was retribution for a perceived “witch hunt” against his political ally, Jair Bolsanaro, whose supporters attempted a coup two years ago.

This administration is bringing back the law of the jungle to international trade, according to trade expert Kristen Hopewell, and time is running out to salvage the remains of a post-war system of commerce that promoted stability and prosperity across the world.

“Trump is a totally unreliable negotiating partner,” she tells Fortune. “Any deal you strike with the administration is not worth the paper it’s written on.”

  • Tinidril@midwest.socialEnglish
    6·
    2 days ago

    But America brings so much to the table! There’s all the goods manufactured in America, there is all the creativity coming out of the American TV and movie industries, there is all the scientific research and knowledge that is totally not leaving. What about innovative software (licenses) and enshitified streaming services. America is on the cutting edge of defense and it’s partners totally trust that America would never yank away support for those weapons at the whim of a mad king or anything.

    Most importantly, how will the world ever get by without the American financial system that contributes nothing to the world and demands all the wealth in return? I think the world will find America hard to shake.

    (Massive /s, just in case it’s not obvious.)

    • JeeBaiChow@lemmy.world
      1·
      2 days ago

      The goods are overpriced and undergood. People buy them for clout, not for quality or performance. This has been true for a while now. Unless you’re talking weapons systems.