International Trade & Tariffs

International trade and tariffs are fundamental pillars in the global political and economic landscape. This article explores how governments influence cross-border commerce through policy, regulation, and trade agreements. It dives into the complex dynamics of tariffs—taxes imposed on imports and exports—and how they serve both as tools of economic strategy and instruments of political leverage. The piece highlights the roles of key institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO), trade blocs such as the European Union (EU) and USMCA, and how countries negotiate free trade agreements to boost economic growth or protect domestic industries. Readers will gain insight into the political implications of trade wars, the impact of protectionism vs. globalization, and the future of global trade amid shifting geopolitical tensions.