Aurora State college of Technology
Brgy. Zabali, Baler, Aurora
SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
“Tariff imposed by trump”
Date Given:
April 8,2025
Date Submitted:
April 22,2025
Submitted By:
Salazar,Clark Lorenz Jasper E.
Valdez,Alberto V.
Sindac,Pablo Matthew D.
Submitted To:
Manibog,Floralyn Q.
Aurora State college of Technology
Brgy. Zabali, Baler, Aurora
SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
The specifics of America's trade relations. President Donald Trump's tariffs have been
highlighted by a larger conflict with international cooperation and national economic goals.
President Donald Trump's tariff policy has often ignored global issues such as climate change
and maritime governance under frameworks such as the United Nations Convention of the Law
of the Sea (UNCLOS) despite its primary goal of protecting American industry and correcting
trade imbalances. For example, it could be argued that higher tariffs on renewable energy
products, like as solar panels, compromised global climate goals, while disagreements over
oceanic trade routes and resource access called into doubt the United States' adherence to
international maritime law. When taken as a whole, these actions demonstrated a move toward
economic nationalism at the possible expense of international legal and environmental standards.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The protectionist measures taken under Donald Trump's presidency (2017–2021) have had a
major impact on the dynamics of international trade in recent years. Imposition of tariffs on a
broad range of imported goods was a key component of his economic agenda. These duties were
intended to defend domestic companies, reduce the U.S. trade imbalance, and combat unfair
trade practices, especially by China. In 2018, Trump's government extended duties on solar
panels and washing machines to steel, aluminum, and hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of
Chinese goods. A worldwide trade war resulted from these acts, and numerous nations responded
by putting their own levies on American exports.
These regulations' history is rooted in long-standing worries about how globalization will affect
American industry, intellectual property theft, and job offshoring. Trump's tariffs signaled a turn
toward economic nationalism and represented a dramatic break from decades of US support for
free trade and multilateral agreements. The consequent economic, diplomatic, and legal
repercussions have continued to affect international trade relations, making tariff analysis crucial
to comprehending the changing landscape of global business.
Aurora State college of Technology
Brgy. Zabali, Baler, Aurora
SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
ANALYSIS
WHAT ARE THE ROOT CAUSES OF THE ISSUE?
Trump criticized international institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO) for being
ineffective and biased against the U.S. This led to a preference for bilateral negotiations and
unilateral tariff actions.
WHICH INTERNATIONAL LAWS OR CONVENTIONS APPLY?
World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreements The WTO provides the main legal framework
governing international trade. Several of its agreements are relevant:
ARE THERE PREVIOUS EFFORTS TO SOLVE THE ISSUE?
WTO Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
• Multiple countries filed formal complaints with the World Trade Organization against Trump’s
tariffs, particularly those on steel and aluminum.
• Example: In 2018, the European Union, China, Canada, and others challenged the tariffs as
violations of WTO rules.
• The WTO ruled in some cases that the U.S. actions were not justified, but enforcement was
limited because Trump’s administration questioned the legitimacy of the WTO itself.
WHAT RIGHTS OR RESPONSIBILITIES ARE INVOLVED?
Right to Defend Against Unfair Trade: Under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, countries
have the right to defend themselves against unfair trade practices, such as dumping, subsidies,
and IP violations, though actions must follow proper procedures.
Responsibility to Follow International Trade Rules: As a WTO member, the U.S. has a
responsibility to comply with WTO rules and settle disputes through its mechanisms rather than
unilateral actions that disrupt global trade.
Aurora State college of Technology
Brgy. Zabali, Baler, Aurora
SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
SOLUTION DEVELOPMENT
Overview of the Issue: In order to safeguard American businesses and close the
trade deficit, especially with China, Trump imposed tariffs. But these steps resulted
in trade battles, higher prices for businesses and consumers, and damaged ties with
allies. Global trade flows were disrupted for a long time by the unilateral
imposition of several levies without multilateral cooperation.
GOALS OF THE SOLUTION:
• Restore fair and rules-based international trade practices
• Ensure accountability and transparency in U.S. tariff policy
• Protect U.S. industries without harming consumers or allies
• Rebuild global trust and cooperation in trade relations
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS:
• Introduce a Trade Transparency Act that limits unilateral executive power by:
• Requiring Congressional approval for long-term or large-scale tariffs.
• Setting clear legal standards for invoking national security or economic emergency exceptions.
• Mandate economic impact assessments and public hearings before implementing tariffs.
IMPLEMENTING STRATEGY:
• Form a bipartisan trade reform task force to draft new legislation.
• Open diplomatic channels to renegotiate affected trade agreements.
• Establish a monitoring and evaluation body within the U.S. Trade Representative’s office to
track tariff impacts and adjust policy accordingly.
ANTICIPATED OUTCOME:
• Reduction in trade tensions and improved relations with allies.
Aurora State college of Technology
Brgy. Zabali, Baler, Aurora
SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
• More stable and predictable trade environment for businesses.
• Greater compliance with international trade law • Economic growth driven by innovation and
fair competition.
REFLECTION
ALBERTO V. VALDEZ Jr.
Trump's tariffs, while intended to protect American industries, sparked global trade disputes and
economic uncertainty. They led to retaliatory tariffs from other countries, impacting various
sectors. The impact on American consumers was felt through higher prices on imported goods.
While some domestic industries saw short-term gains, the long-term effects remain debated.
Ultimately, the tariffs' effectiveness in achieving their stated goals is a complex and contested
issue.
PABLO MATTHEW D. SINDAC
The tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump were part of his “America First” policy,
which aimed to protect domestic industries in the United States from cheap goods from abroad.
However, while the goal may seem patriotic, the effects have been far-reaching and complex.
First, the prices of goods within the U.S. have risen due to the increased cost of importing parts
or products from abroad. Consumers themselves have been affected, especially those in the
middle and low-income groups. Second, there have been trade tensions between the U.S. and
various countries such as China, Canada, and Mexico, which have led to retaliatory tariffs that
have affected American exporters. The tariffs have also not helped long-term economic growth.
According to studies, they may have reduced overall U.S. GDP and reduced investor confidence.
Overall, Trump’s tariffs have shown that protectionism has its costs. While some local industries
may be protected in the short term, this creates larger problems for global trade, the economy,
and relations between countries.
Aurora State college of Technology
Brgy. Zabali, Baler, Aurora
SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
