Trump is imposing tariffs upon USAs three largest trading partners- they are USAs three largest trading partners because they supply manufactured goods and commodities at the best price available for USA. By placing tariffs you distort the market- you incentivise imports from less than ideal suppliers and disincentivise imports from the best value suppliers. It is sheer lunacy and is being used in a manner in breach of trade agreements and international law. Yes the USA can say fuck you to the world, basic economic principles, existing trade agreements, free trade principles and international law, but the world will respond in kind over time, as will markets. The USA consumer and manufacturer will face not only higher prices for the goods they need, but other countries are likely to place tariffs on US exports- in fact China already has. The US manufacturing sector has been in decline for decades and US has had continuous and increasing trade deficits for 6 decades- yes something needs to be done but Trumps tariffs are almost certain to do more harm than good. By alienating long time US allies he is opening the door to China taking the lead in international affairs as well as manufactured goods where China is already strongly dominant. Europe and other US allies could turn to China more as the trade advantage was already in strongly Chinas favour before these punitive and bullying Trump tariffs were imposed. Increasing use of Euro and Yuan denominated trade payments is a certain result of Trumps tariffs. Trump is trashing the USAs soft power advantage- giving it to China. USA stands to lose its reserve currency hegemony which ironically enabled it to become a net consumer and parasite upon the rest of the productive world.