By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Director of the China-Africa Institute Sierra Leone, Alpha Mohamed Jalloh, has strongly criticized the United States’ recent escalation of tariff policies under President Donald Trump, describing them as deliberate acts of economic aggression that undermine global trade balance, promote protectionism and endanger international cooperation.
Speaking to this medium, Alpha Mohamed Jalloh said the tariffs imposed by the U.S. represent “a shift towards unilateralism and economic dictatorship,” accusing the U.S. administration of pursuing a protectionist agenda “at the expense of multilateral trade harmony.” He further asserted that such actions weaken global institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO), which he now describes as “a toothless bulldog” in the face of America’s economic might.
The latest figures highlight the extent of this escalation:
- On April 9, 2025, tariffs on Chinese goods were raised to a staggering 104%, following a previous increase to 54%.
- Canada and Mexico are currently facing 25% tariffs on imports, with Canadian energy products now taxed at 10%.
“These actions are not just unfortunate; they’re dangerous. They jeopardize years of effort in creating balanced global trade relations. The United States is no longer playing fair; it is bullying its partners under the guise of protecting domestic interests,” Alpha Mohamed Jalloh said.
He argued that the U.S. call for dialogue is disingenuous if it continues to unilaterally enforce economic restrictions. “If the United States genuinely wants an amicable resolution, it must cease its reckless actions. China’s position is clear: there are no winners in trade wars. While China does not seek conflict, it is not afraid to defend its interests,” he added.
Analysts warn that the U.S. tariff hikes are already causing ripple effects both domestically and internationally:
- Rising Inflation:
Tariffs have driven up the cost of imported goods, directly impacting American consumers. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that each U.S. household will bear an additional cost of approximately $1,300 annually due to the measures. - Small Business Struggles:
Smaller enterprises are particularly vulnerable, lacking the financial flexibility to absorb these increased costs or swiftly restructure their supply chains. - Retaliatory Measures from Trade Partners:
- Canada has responded by imposing tariffs on over $100 billion worth of American goods.
- The European Union has condemned the tariffs, citing threats to global economic stability.
- The World Bank has warned that retaliatory tariffs could lower global economic growth by 0.3 percentage points in 2025.
- Strained Diplomatic Ties:
Traditional allies such as Japan, Germany, South Korea and Canada have expressed growing frustration, accusing the U.S. of undermining the principles of multilateral cooperation.
China has officially accused the U.S. of violating WTO rules and destabilizing the global economic order for selfish reasons.
“These reckless moves are weakening the U.S.’s global leadership and diminishing trust among key partners,” said Alpha Mohamed Jalloh.
Critics have also pointed out that the sweeping use of tariffs has occurred largely through executive orders, bypassing legislative oversight and broader public discourse. “This is not only undemocratic but dangerous. Such decisions should be subject to parliamentary or congressional scrutiny, not handed down by executive fiat,” the Director of the China-Africa Institute Sierra Leone emphasized.
He warned that framing these tariffs as tools to reduce trade deficits or protect U.S. industries ignores deeper economic realities. “High labor costs in the U.S., along with intricate global supply chains, mean such protectionist moves are short-sighted. They fail to address the root causes of trade imbalances and instead risk causing long-term damage to the very economy they aim to protect.”
Alpha Mohamed Jalloh concluded with a passionate appeal for a reactivation of what he called a “New Economic Order” based on mutual respect, fairness and collaboration. “In this journey, we must reject economic hegemony and stand firm for a global trade framework that works for everyone. The world must not allow this madness to become the new normal.”
As the global economy faces mounting challenges, from inflation and supply chain disruptions to geopolitical tensions, the call for renewed cooperation and equitable trade practices is growing louder. Observers agree: unless checked, the U.S.’s current approach to tariffs could trigger long-lasting harm not just to its own economy, but to global stability as a whole.
