Tariff wars - No turning back

April 10, 2015

by Ron Hanes

Recent developments in U.S. trade policy have reignited global concerns about escalating tariff wars and their broader economic implications. On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a universal 10% tariff on all imports, with additional higher tariffs targeting specific countries. China faced an additional 34% tariff, bringing the total to 44%, while the European Union and Japan were subjected to 20% and 24% tariffs, respectively.

In response, China swiftly imposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 15% on key U.S. exports, including crude oil and liquefied natural gas, effective February 10. The European Union also signaled its intent to retaliate immediately if the U.S. proceeded with the new tariffs. ​The situation further intensified when, on April 8, President Trump increased tariffs on Chinese imports to 104%, citing China's retaliatory measures. Additionally, he raised the de minimis tariffs on low-cost parcels from China and Hong Kong to 90%. The following day, Trump announced a 90-day suspension of most new tariffs but escalated tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%, emphasizing the need to address trade imbalances. 

These tit-for-tat measures have led to significant market volatility. The S&P 500 experienced one of its largest gains since World War II, surging 9.5%, following the announcement of the tariff pause. However, economists and business leaders warn that the ongoing trade tensions could strain international alliances and trigger a severe recession. ​

These developments underscore the delicate balance of international trade relations and the potential consequences of protectionist policies. As nations navigate these turbulent waters, the principles of game theory, particularly the Nash Equilibrium, offer valuable insights into the challenges of achieving cooperative outcomes in a competitive global landscape.

What Is the Nash Equilibrium Again?

Quick Lesson: The Nash Equilibrium explains how, in competitive scenarios, individuals (or countries) often end up stuck in a bad outcome — not because they want to, but because they’re protecting themselves.

In trade:

• If both countries cooperate (lower tariffs), both win.

• If one cheats while the other stays open, the cheater gains.

• But if both retaliate (tariffs vs tariffs), both lose — higher prices, slower growth, mutual pain.
  
  

The Latest Tariff Escalation: How We Got Here

Timeline:

• April 2, 2025 — Trump imposes universal 10% tariff, with extra charges for China, EU, and Japan.
  
  

• April 4, 2025 — China retaliates: 10-15% tariffs on U.S. oil and gas.
  
  

• April 8, 2025 — Trump hikes China tariffs to 104%, targets low-cost parcels.
  
  

• April 9, 2025 — Trump pauses tariffs for most countries for 90 days, but raises China tariffs to 125%.
  
  

Trump to critics: "Yippy critics" can "watch the stock rebound!"

Markets soared briefly — the S&P 500 jumped 9.5%, one of its largest single-day gains since WWII. But beneath the rally, fears simmer.

The Forecast: What's Next?

📉 If escalation continues:

• Global growth slows dramatically.

• Supply chains fragment permanently.

• Geopolitical rivalries harden.
  
  

📈 If cooperation returns:

• Fragile recovery possible.

• Need new, binding trade agreements with clear enforcement mechanisms.

• Rebuilding trust becomes the core global project.
  
  

🚨 Critical Point: Without trust, every trade deal will be seen as temporary — and companies will bake in "tariff risk" forever.

Conclusion: Cooperation, Not Combat

🌎 Global trade isn’t a zero-sum game. It’s interdependence. Protectionism sounds powerful, but ultimately it leaves everyone poorer and more vulnerable.

The real "winning move" is escaping the Nash trap:

• Build credible institutions.
  
  

• Foster transparent negotiations.
  
  

• Lock in mutual incentives to cooperate.
  
  

Otherwise? Today's tariff war will be tomorrow’s new normal.