by Daniel Brouse
March 12, 2025
Daily Market Update: A Storm Brewing in Global Trade
While domestic markets remained relatively calm, international markets reacted with volatility to the latest round of tariffs, escalating trade tensions worldwide.
In Trump 1.0, steel and aluminum tariffs were introduced at 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum, selectively targeting a handful of nations. Today, those tariffs have returned—but this time, they are 25% across the board, applying to all steel and aluminum imports, regardless of their origin. This marks a significant escalation in protectionist policies, with the potential to destabilize supply chains and increase costs for U.S. manufacturers and consumers alike.
The global response has been swift. Retaliatory tariffs are already being discussed, with several key trading partners preparing countermeasures. Even Australia, a long-standing U.S. ally that was previously exempt, is now expressing frustration, with one prominent economist summing up the sentiment as: “What the fuck?”
The Impact: Higher Costs, Fewer Jobs, and Economic Instability
Historically, tariffs of this nature have had disastrous economic consequences. The last round of steel and aluminum tariffs under Trump led to a net loss of 75,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs, and each job “saved” cost taxpayers nearly $900,000. Prices on everything from automobiles to canned goods surged, making life more expensive for American families.
This time, the impact is likely to be even worse. A broad, across-the-board tariff will strain international relations, drive inflation, and trigger widespread retaliation. U.S. companies reliant on imported metals will face higher costs, leading to job cuts, reduced investment, and lower economic growth.
The Markets React: Uncertainty Takes Hold
While the full effects will take time to unfold, the immediate market reaction has been one of caution and concern. The tariffs add another layer of economic uncertainty at a time when global markets are already grappling with inflation, geopolitical instability, and rising interest rates. Investors are wary, and market volatility is expected to increase in the coming weeks.
Final Thoughts: Repeating History’s Mistakes
Despite clear evidence from his first term that tariffs did more harm than good, Trump is doubling down on failed economic policies that increase costs, eliminate jobs, and weaken the U.S. economy. The previous steel and aluminum tariffs were an economic disaster, and this round—hitting more industries, more countries, and more supply chains—will only accelerate the damage.
As trade partners prepare their countermeasures, the question is no longer if the U.S. economy will suffer, but how badly.
… and oh, yeah… these aren’t the real tariffs, yet. They come April 2.