Wed Apr 09 07:31:24 UTC 2025: ## US Reciprocal Tariffs Risk Global Recession, Warn Experts
**Washington/Geneva** – The United States’ recent imposition of “reciprocal tariffs” on several trading partners, including a 34% levy on China and rates ranging from 10% to 39% on several Arab nations, is sparking global concern. Experts warn that these tariffs, far from achieving their stated goal of rebalancing trade, are likely to trigger a global economic downturn.
The move, announced on April 2nd, has been widely condemned internationally as a violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. Critics argue the US’s unilateral and subjective assessment of tariffs disregards years of multilateral trade negotiations and ignores the significant benefits the US has derived from global trade.
The WTO estimates that the US tariff measures introduced this year could shrink global merchandise trade by approximately 1% in 2025 – a substantial downward revision of previous forecasts. These tariffs threaten to destabilize global supply chains, cast doubt on the future of globalization, and potentially trigger a global economic and financial crisis.
The Yale University Budget Lab predicts that full retaliatory tariffs from other countries could lead to a 2.1% increase in US consumer prices and a 1% decrease in real GDP growth. This, coupled with declining consumer confidence, will further burden American families and weaken US business competitiveness.
China has strongly condemned the US actions, urging a resolution through consultation and mutual benefit. Other countries, including the European Union and Canada, have announced plans for countermeasures. The widespread belief is that these trade wars ultimately benefit no one, and that protectionist policies will only lead to economic hardship.
First Piper 