Comicomment: Tariff wrench tightens on U.S. livelihoods, disrupts global system

The U.S. government’s sweeping new tariffs took effect Thursday. The levies—ranging from 10 to more than 40 percent, the highest since 1935—have fueled concerns about disrupting the global trade order and straining international relations. Analysts say Washington is using tariffs to pressure other economies into making concessions, prioritizing unilateral gains over cooperation.

According to Time magazine, the steep barriers and the undermining of the WTO have seriously damaged the world trading system, while higher costs are fueling inflation and pushing up prices for U.S. consumers.