We Are All Connected
February 2, 2025
We are all connected.
When there are global policy shifts, it is easy to question how the policy will impact you as an individual. And if you are American, it is easy to believe that what happens abroad will have no bearing on your day-to-day experience. But what happens in one nation can – and often does – reverberate in the United States. This will be underscored soon.
We Live in a Global World
The COVID-19 pandemic reverberated across the world. No one was immune.
Climate change has a global impact. No part of the world is exempt, although frontline communities suffer disproportionately because of it.
Wars and unrest similarly impact the world. For instance, unrest drives migration and it can also increase the prices of goods and services.
We don’t need another reminder that we live in an interconnected world. And yet, this point is about to be underscored once again.
Tariffs Will Impact Us All
President Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China beginning on February 1, 2025 offers yet another reminder that we are all connected. The tariffs will create a chain reaction that will see prices increase for Americans as well as persons in Mexico and Canada. It is unclear how the imposition of tariffs will impact China.
The Tax Foundation “estimated the 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico and 10 percent tariffs on China would amount to an average tax increase of more than $830 per US household in 2025.”
Mexico and Canada vowed to issue their own retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. China has said it would file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization.
Trade War
Politico reported that “the move sets the stage for a possible North American trade war that economists say could hurt economic growth on the continent and increase inflation. The new duties take effect on Tuesday [February 4, 2025].”
Most people will experience a degree of pain and discomfort. CNN reported that “About one-third of US imports come from the three countries Trump targeted Saturday.”
For our part, Americans could see increased prices on fruits and vegetables, meat, automobiles and more. Some will weather the pain better than others, but all will be impacted.
I am concerned about what the future holds for Americans and the world. As I said before, we are all connected. I hope the nation will remember our allies and work towards solutions that work for all.
Jennifer R. Farmer is the principal of Spotlight PR LLC. Check out our blog posts and subscribe for updates.
