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19th June 2024 (10 Topics)

The high cost of a global economic decoupling

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Context

U.S. President Joe Biden's announcement in May to impose new tariffs on Chinese imports has reignited fears of economic decoupling between major global economies, influencing policymakers in Europe and highlighting geopolitical tensions.

Political Over Economic Considerations

  • National Security Focus: The West's trade risk calculations with China are increasingly driven by national security concerns.
  • Biden's Tariff Strategy: The new tariffs, especially on Chinese electric vehicles, are politically motivated to support domestic industries and unions.
  • Medical Device Tariffs: Increased tariffs on Chinese medical devices aim to reduce dependence on China but could raise healthcare costs in the U.S.

Global Economic Impact

  • Protectionism Consequences: The cycle of tit-for-tat tariffs exacerbates global protectionism, harming international trade.
  • Green Transition Delays: Import restrictions on Chinese clean energy products could hinder global renewable energy goals.
  • Multinational Challenges: Western companies dependent on China's consumer market face potential earnings declines due to China's economic slowdown.

Regional Effects

  • Resource-Rich Countries: Countries like Australia and Brazil may suffer from reduced Chinese demand, impacting their exports and commodity prices.
  • EU De-Risking: The EU's efforts to de-risk trade with China in raw minerals could backfire, giving China more control over supply chains.
  • Southeast Asia and India: Southeast Asia and India may struggle to replace China as a manufacturing hub due to high dependency on Chinese technology and investment.
UPSC Mains Question

Q. Discuss the implications of the recent U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports for global trade dynamics and the potential impact on regional economies, with a focus on protectionism and economic decoupling.

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