Part 7/10:

If another country restricts U.S. trade access or engages in practices damaging to fair competition—be it through regulatory barriers, market distortions, or protection of intellectual property—the U.S. will respond with tariffs of its own.

Underlying motivation:

Trump’s overarching aim is to secure a “level playing field”—hence the term “reciprocal.” By doing so, he attempts to force trading partners to open their markets and respect property rights, ultimately making international trade more equitable from the U.S. perspective.

The Underlying Problem and Trump’s Goals

While some might dismiss Trump’s tariff threats as reckless or protectionist, a closer analysis suggests a desire to address deeper issues: