An early warning signal — tracked and categorized.
Other
Moderate
April 10, 2025
President Trump unilaterally imposed a universal 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, with additional duties targeting steel, aluminum, and semiconductors. China responded with retaliatory tariffs as high as 125%. This escalation bypassed congressional trade authority and was justified under national security powers, raising concerns about unchecked executive control over economic instruments.
While the move is framed as a protectionist economic strategy, it may evolve into a longer-term weaponization of trade tools — particularly if economic levers are used to:
- Punish domestic political opponents
- Reward loyal companies or regions
- Undermine democratic institutions via economic destabilization
Currently, it does not target civil liberties or institutions directly, but it reflects an authoritarian trend of consolidating unilateral control over key policy areas.