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In 2025, Trump’s “Tariff” Merges Domestic Policy, Geopolitics, and Revenue, Turning Tariffs into an Economic and Diplomatic Weapon of Global Reach
A new wave of tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration, dubbed the “Tariff,” changed the course of global trade in 2025. It’s not just about balancing deficits. The measure combines domestic politics, geopolitical pressure, and revenue generation.
Behind the rhetoric of “protecting jobs” and “restoring economic sovereignty” lies a multi-functional mechanism.
Tariffs serve as a negotiation tool, a diplomatic pressure instrument, and a source of funding for the government.
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For the economist José Kobori, the USA gained a trump card to “blackmail” Brazil and undermine China’s influence by classifying the PCC and Comando Vermelho as terrorists, increasing the power to pressure companies, banks, and even Pix.
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The labor shortage has changed its face in Brazil: companies hire 80% more, but workers stay only 6.8 months in the job, the service market becomes a “revolving door,” and businesses spend increasingly more to train teams that soon leave.
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Chinese giant chooses SC to set up its first factory in Brazil, investing R$ 250 million and producing MRI machines costing R$ 10 million each, with 100 direct jobs and 5% of revenue allocated to research.
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After selling a unit for R$ 115 million to pay off debts, a traditional factory in SC founded in 1932 has a new R$ 64.8 million plan denied by the court and retains about 690 workers in Joinville.
Scope of Tariff Measures
On April 2, 2025, Trump signed executive orders known as the “Liberation Day Tariffs.” They imposed a 10% base tariff on imports from almost all countries.
In specific cases, the additional rate reached 50%. The affected countries include China, India, Brazil, Mexico, and Switzerland.
According to the Washington Post, monthly revenue could exceed US$ 50 billion, reaching US$ 165 billion for the year.
In addition to agricultural and industrial goods, the tariff impacts strategic sectors like high technology and pharmaceuticals.
Official Discourse and Justifications
The government presents three pillars for the measure. The first is to protect the national industry, encouraging reindustrialization and reducing the trade deficit. The White House classifies the policy as essential to “ensure fair conditions” for workers.
The second is fiscal. Tariffs represent extra revenue for the federal budget, avoiding an increase in internal taxes.
The third argument is national security. The Trump administration links the tariff to combating threats, such as fentanyl trafficking, and to protecting strategic supply chains.
There is also a diplomatic component. In the case of countries like India and Brazil, tariffs were used as a response to policies seen as unfavorable to the U.S.
Legal Disputes and Legal Basis
Trump based part of the orders on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), claiming “national emergency” due to deficits and security risks.
However, federal courts, such as the Court of International Trade, have contested the legality. Decisions indicate that the IEEPA does not authorize such broad tariffs in times of peace. Some orders have already been suspended for exceeding presidential authority.
Economic Effects and External Responses
Within the U.S., the impact is direct on family budgets. The Center for American Progress estimates an extra cost of US$ 2,800 annually per family. Manufacturers like Ford report losses and increased prices for consumers.
Abroad, countries like Canada have adopted retaliatory tariffs. This creates a cycle of trade tensions and threatens the stability of global supply chains. Organizations like the WTO are under pressure amid this escalation.
Geoeconomics in Action
The Financial Times defines the policy as a clear example of geoeconomics: using economic power for political and strategic objectives.
Tariffs do not only serve to correct trade figures but also to influence decisions of other governments.
This strategy is transactional and short-sighted. Often, it seeks concessions on issues like defense, infrastructure, and foreign policy.
Internal Repercussions and Political Capital
Internally, the tariff strengthens the slogan “America First” and consolidates Trump’s image as a defender of workers. By centralizing tariffs in economic policy, he communicates directly with his electoral base.
The use of executive orders to implement measures also circumvents resistance in Congress. This expands the reach of unilateral decisions without prolonged negotiations.
Revenue and Concentrated Power
The revenue impact is significant. In a scenario of high fiscal deficit, tariffs provide quick resources. By linking the measure to a “national emergency,” Trump increases his freedom of action.
Critics warn of risks to the balance of powers and the political use of emergency declarations.
A Model Under Test
The tariff goes beyond classic protectionism. It is a mechanism that mixes economy, coercive diplomacy, revenue generation, and political strengthening.
Though marketed as economic protection and national defense, the intense use of tariffs also reshapes international relations unilaterally.
The effects are still unfolding. However, it is already visible that the U.S. is repositioning as a power that uses trade as a political weapon.
The question that remains is whether this model can sustain itself without imposing heavy internal costs and without irreversibly shaking the global trade order.
Main Sources Used in the Article:
- The Washington Post
- Financial Times
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