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The End of Free Trade? How Trump’s Return to the White House Could Reshape Global Commerce
Donald Trump’s return to the White House in 2025 has reignited debates about the future of international trade. During his first term, Trump challenged the principles of free trade that have shaped the global economy since World War II, replacing them with a protectionist, transactional approach that prioritized U.S. interests. Now, with his re-election, Trump appears poised to further dismantle the free trade system, shifting the world toward a new era of economic nationalism and competitive trade practices. This article explores the historical context of free trade, Trump’s vision for global commerce, and the profound consequences of this shift for the United States, China, and the global economy.
The Foundations of Free Trade
For more than 75 years, free trade has been at the heart of global economic policy. After World War II, the United States led efforts to create a rules-based international trade order that promoted economic interdependence and prosperity. Institutions like the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and, later, the World Trade Organization (WTO) established a framework for reducing trade barriers, resolving disputes, and encouraging cooperation among nations.
