Trump, Biden and the American Protectionist Matrix

First under Trump, then under Biden, the position of the American government with regard to international trade has clearly evolved towards protectionism. This new American attitude – skeptical of trade liberalization and the idea that these would have a mutually beneficial effect – had damaged DC’s relations with its Western allies under Trump. They remain damaged under Biden.

If Trump wins in November, his new term could pave the way for an escalation of protectionist policies that would harm cooperation, trade and the rules-based global trading system. Trump’s protectionist measures and the continuation of most of them under the Biden administration already form the matrix of American trade policy after the 2024 elections.