Photo/Illutration U.S. President Donald Trump displays a signed executive order on tariffs on aluminum imports in the Oval Office of the White House on Feb. 10. (REUTERS)

Donald Trump is forging ahead with moves to increase tariffs on imports into America. Left unchecked, his aggressive strategy could severely damage the free trade system that underpins the global economy.

Japan and other nations committed to free trade must coordinate closely to drive home to Trump the potential impact of these unilateral actions and urge him to reconsider the measures.

Earlier this month, Trump signed an executive order that imposes high tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada and China. He also decided to implement a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports starting next month that is aimed at protecting domestic industries. He has already announced his intention to raise tariffs on automobiles beginning in April.

In addition, Trump issued a directive to introduce “reciprocal” tariffs, which would elevate U.S. tariffs to levels comparable to those imposed by other nations on American products. He has instructed his team to start recalculating tariff levels for trading partners based on this principle.

Imposing country-specific import duties undermines a fundamental principle of the World Trade Organization--the requirement for all member countries to treat each other equally. The new U.S. tariff policy will treat the value-added taxes of other countries as equivalent to tariffs and scrutinize nontariff barriers such as regulations and subsidies as potential targets. This method introduces significant concerns regarding its arbitrary application and potential misuse.

If fully implemented, reciprocal tariffs could have a profoundly severe economic impact. Global supply chains across a wide range of products might be disrupted, potentially triggering a worldwide economic downturn.

China has already enacted retaliatory tariffs, and signs of a trade war reminiscent of those during the first Trump administration are re-emerging. The European Union and other regions have also expressed strong objections, raising fears that tit-for-tat measures could escalate into a comprehensive trade crisis. Yet, Trump appears unfazed.

Trump’s trade policy could also harm the U.S. economy by increasing costs for domestic consumers and businesses, intensifying inflationary pressures. This strategy risks damaging U.S. credibility internationally. It is crucial that Trump understands this approach is counterproductive and strategically flawed.

The Japanese government has requested that Washington exclude Japan from the targets of steel, aluminum and reciprocal tariffs. But this is not enough.

Under the free trade system established from the harsh lessons of World War II, nations have worked together to mutually reduce tariffs to foster economic development and enhance living standards globally. However, the measures enacted by the Trump administration undermine this commercial order and violate the principle of reciprocity that underpins it.

Should individual countries seek special treatment and readily yield to U.S. demands, it would align perfectly with Trump's preference for bilateral “deals.” It is essential for a coalition of nations to unite and call for the United States to demonstrate self-restraint.

Japan should proactively engage with European nations and members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership to counter Trump’s aggressive protectionism and his distorted “America First” agenda. This collaborative effort is critical in maintaining the integrity of the global trade system.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Feb. 18

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