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Donald Trump Officially Certified as the Winner by the U.S. Congress
On January 6, 2025, the U.S. Congress officially certified the presidential election results, declaring Donald Trump the winner over his opponent, Kamala Harris. The joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, presided over by Vice President Kamala Harris, took place in a solemn atmosphere as the electoral votes were formally counted. Notably, no state objected to the election results.
The certification process was conducted exactly four years after the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, when Congress confirmed Joe Biden’s victory. Given security concerns, law enforcement agencies implemented strict protective measures to prevent any potential disruptions.
Following the session, Kamala Harris stated:
“American democracy is only strong when we are willing to fight for it. Today, it has once again proven its resilience.”
The absence of opposition from any Democratic lawmakers to Trump’s victory was a rare occurrence, happening for the first time since 1988. However, analysts suggest that although the certification is largely a symbolic procedure, the transition of power this year remains fraught with challenges.
Debate Over Donald Trump’s Tariff Policy
Shortly after his victory was certified, President-elect Donald Trump drew attention with his remarks on the tariff policies he intends to implement after taking office. A report by The Washington Post claimed that his advisors were considering scaling back the scope of tariffs compared to his earlier campaign promises. However, Trump immediately refuted these claims, insisting that he had no plans to modify his proposed tariff policies.
During his 2024 campaign, Trump vowed to impose a 10%–20% tariff on all imported goods and a 60% tariff on Chinese imports. After winning the election, he further shook global markets by threatening to impose an additional 10% tariff on China and 25% on all imports from Mexico and Canada. This has raised fears of a new trade war, which could significantly impact the global economy.
Many experts believe that implementing Trump’s tariff policy will not be straightforward, as it is likely to face legal challenges in Congress. Some lawmakers, including pro-free trade Republicans, may oppose excessive tariff increases.
A Bloomberg Economics study estimates that U.S. GDP could shrink by 0.8% by 2028 if only China retaliates, and by 1.3% if multiple countries impose counter-tariffs on American goods. Higher tariffs would also increase the cost of imported goods, potentially driving inflation higher. However, Trump’s supporters argue that the policy will revitalize domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.
Trump’s Strategy Toward China and India
Since securing victory, Donald Trump has adopted a mixed approach toward the two Asian economic powerhouses: China and India.
Regarding China, Trump remains tough, similar to his first term. His proposed aggressive tariffs could escalate trade tensions, negatively impacting both economies. However, he also recognizes that a full-scale confrontation with Beijing could harm the U.S. economy, especially with inflation still a concern.
In contrast, India appears to be a key strategic partner for Trump. Instead of adopting a confrontational stance, he is likely to strengthen trade and defense ties with New Delhi, positioning India as a counterbalance to China in the Indo-Pacific region.
The World Prepares for a New Era
Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election not only marks the return of a controversial leader but also signals major shifts in U.S. economic and foreign policies.
With his strong stance on tariffs, Trump is setting the stage for economic uncertainty worldwide. Whether he sticks to his hardline policies or adapts to political realities remains unclear. However, one thing is certain: his second term will not be smooth sailing.
On January 20, 2025, as Trump is sworn in as President, the world will closely watch how his economic and foreign policies unfold. Governments and businesses worldwide must brace for unpredictable changes from Washington.
(This article is based on information from NBC News, The Washington Post, Bloomberg, and economic experts.)
Trump’s Tariff Policy 2.0: Global Impact and Reactions
Trump’s Return and His Bold Trade Agenda
Following his victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Donald Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to imposing high tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada. This policy is set to take effect on the first day of his second term, starting January 20, 2025.
According to Trump’s announcement, tariffs on Chinese goods will increase by an additional 10% from current levels, with some products facing tariffs as high as 60%. The main objective of this policy is to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and boost domestic manufacturing. However, this decision also presents significant challenges for the global economy, particularly for China, India, and other nations heavily engaged in trade with the U.S.
India – Opportunities and Challenges
With high tariffs imposed on Chinese goods, many multinational corporations may seek to diversify their supply chains by relocating production to countries like India, Vietnam, and Indonesia. This shift presents a golden opportunity for India to reduce its reliance on China and enhance its position in the global supply chain.
However, Trump has previously criticized India’s high tariffs on American goods and has threatened retaliatory measures if such policies persist. This puts India in a delicate position, requiring a balance between benefiting from the shifting supply chains and avoiding potential tariff retaliation from the U.S.
China Faces a Major Challenge
As the U.S. intensifies its tariff policies, China faces a tough dilemma: should it retaliate or negotiate? Potential countermeasures could include tightening exports of critical minerals essential to U.S. industries, imposing sanctions on American companies operating in China, or even devaluing the yuan to support exports.
However, experts believe China has limited room for aggressive retaliation, as doing so could accelerate the U.S. and its allies’ efforts to “decouple” from Beijing. Instead, China may adopt a strategy of “negotiation and restraint” to secure a more favorable trade deal with the Trump administration.
Elon Musk’s Role and Adjustments in China Policy
An interesting factor in this trade dynamic is Elon Musk, who could play a crucial role in shaping U.S.-China trade relations. Tesla is the first foreign car company to have full ownership of its operations in China, and Musk maintains close ties with Chinese officials. Trump’s administration may take these business interests into account when determining the extent of its trade restrictions on China.
A New Trade War on the Horizon?
If Trump follows through on his promise to impose a 60% tariff on Chinese imports, trade tensions could escalate to unprecedented levels. However, China’s options for retaliation are limited, and Beijing will likely seek a ceasefire agreement to minimize economic damage.
Nonetheless, Trump’s tariff policy 2.0 presents a complex challenge for nations engaged in trade with the U.S. Countries like India, Vietnam, and Indonesia may benefit from shifting supply chains but also risk facing retaliatory tariffs from the U.S.
The trade war between economic superpowers continues, and the world is closely watching the Trump administration’s next moves. Will this strategy strengthen the U.S. economy, or will it trigger unintended consequences for the global market? Only time will tell.
