US abuse of national emergency powers for tariffs harms itself and the world

Editor's note: Ding Ru is an associate professor at China University of Political Science and Law. The article reflects the author's views and not necessarily those of CGTN. It has been translated from Chinese and edited for brevity and clarity.

The administration of US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on China and other countries on February 1, citing issues related to fentanyl. 

This action is a political stunt by abusing national emergency powers in the form of tariff hikes. 

Such an approach is detrimental to both the US and the world, and it will inevitably backfire both domestically and internationally. 

On February 2, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said that this unilateral imposition of tariffs by the US seriously violates World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

This move not only fails to address US domestic issues but also undermines economic and trade cooperation between China and the US.

US president's abuse of emergency power undermines fundamental American interests

The Trump administration's executive orders lack both legitimate intent and a reasonable foundation.

First and foremost, their purpose is to bypass the US Congress and unilaterally implement protectionist measures for political posturing. 

Domestically, some members of the US Congress have voiced opposition. 

Gregory W. Meeks, a ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a statement condemning the administration's abuse of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to circumvent congressional committee review.

Furthermore, invoking national emergency powers requires a legitimate rationale, meaning the measures taken should effectively address the issue at hand. 

However, the Trump administration's tariff policies do nothing to combat the fentanyl crisis and lack any reasonable justification for such an invocation. 

The widespread drug problem in the US primarily stems from systemic flaws and administrative mismanagement.

Yet, rather than tackling these internal shortcomings, the Trump administration has deflected responsibility, shifting blame to other countries and imposing tariffs on their products under the pretext of a national emergency.

Making foreign governments the scapegoat for domestic issues is merely a trade protectionist tactic disguised as an effort to combat fentanyl.

Such an externalized approach will not effectively solve the internal problems of the US.

The Trump administration's reckless abuse of national emergency powers will only further erode congressional authority and continue to undermine the country's fundamental interests.

Unilateral tariff hikes harm interests of US consumers and workers

The Trump administration's tariff measures will come at a cost of higher product prices for US consumers. 

High tariffs result in increased costs and prices.

Various sectors in the US, including manufacturing and agriculture, rely on imported raw materials and components from trade partners like China.

Imposing additional tariffs will drastically increase production costs in these industries, which will ultimately be passed on to consumers.

Consumers are also workers. Ordinary US consumers and workers will have to face higher living costs, fewer product choices, a more limited international market and scarcer job opportunities.

Unilateral tariff hikes violate international trade rules and undermine the foundation for global cooperation

The Trump administration has misused national emergency powers under the pretext of combating fentanyl, implementing discriminatory, unilateral and arbitrary tariff measures.

These actions not only violate WTO rules but also severely damage the US reputation in the international community. 

It is widely recognized that addressing the fentanyl crisis requires global cooperation and the US strategy of shifting blame onto others does nothing to resolve the issue.

On the contrary, it undermines the very foundation of international collaboration.

The Trump administration's approach will not only weaken its standing in the global anti-drug efforts but also fuel resentment and resistance against US unilateralist policies.

Canada and Mexico have already responded by announcing countermeasures to the US tariff hikes. 

On February 4, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said that China has filed a WTO dispute complaint against the US tariff measures in defense of its legitimate rights and interests.

Cooperation is the only viable path to addressing global challenges. 

If the Trump administration truly seeks to resolve the fentanyl crisis in the US, it must first confront its shortcomings, strengthen domestic regulatory measures, and actively engage in international collaboration with China and other nations. 

By working toward an effective global anti-drug cooperation mechanism, the US can fulfill its responsibilities as a major power and contribute to the shared progress of humanity.

Resorting to unilateral tariffs through the abuse of national emergency powers is a reckless and short-sighted approach – one that will ultimately leave the US increasingly isolated on the world stage.