Professor Lino Briguglio: ‘US must stand up to Trump or risk global economic fallout’

As US President Donald Trump announces a 90-day pause on tariff increases, the esteemed Economist Professor Lino Briguglio says that the “US must stand up to Trump or risk global economic fallout.”

Mr Trump told reporters about the 90-day pause on Wednesday, temporarily de-escalating trade tensions with most countries, but significantly intensifying the conflict with China.

Countries that have not retaliated against earlier US tariffs will now face a reduced 10 per cent blanket levy until July, instead of the previously proposed 25 per cent rate.

When asked for his opinion about President Trump’s recent 90-day suspension on most global tariffs, Prof. Briguglio told BusinessNow.mt: “He is vindictive, disrespectful, unpredictable, and seems to enjoy insulting others, even leaders of countries allied to the US.”

He further emphasised that “Mr Trump clearly lacks political experience, demonstrates little diplomatic skill, and appears to be using chaos as a deliberate strategy to achieve his objectives.”

Prof. Briguglio cautioned that unless the Republican Members of Senate and the American citizens at large stand up to President Trump, the world could face significant economic repercussions. He added that global businesses cannot be expected to respond to abrupt policy shifts, as such decisions require careful planning and strategic foresight.

In conclusion, Prof. Briguglio noted that while China and the EU have retaliated strongly by increasing tariffs on imports from the US, “it remains to be seen how other countries, including the UK, will respond.”

A snapshot of the situation

President Trump described the shift as a reprieve for countries “that don’t need to be hurt,” framing the pause as a chance to negotiate deals while warning that the broader tariff strategy remains in play.

However, China was excluded from this easing. In direct retaliation for Beijing’s newly imposed 84 per cent tariffs on American goods, President Trump announced an immediate escalation: A 125 per cent tariff on Chinese imports, the harshest yet in the ongoing trade battle.

China has strongly condemned the United States’ tariff escalation, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian accusing the US of using trade measures as a “weapon to exert maximum pressure” in pursuit of “selfish gains.”

Speaking at a press briefing, spokesperson Lin described the US approach as not just targeting China but undermining global economic stability. “This move is against the whole world,” he stated.

Defending Beijing’s imposition of 84 per cent tariffs on US goods, he said the countermeasures were necessary to push back against what he called ‘bullying tactics,’ and aimed at protecting China’s sovereignty.

Spokesperson Lin was firm in his warning: “Tariff wars and trade wars have no winner.” While China does not seek confrontation, he said, it is prepared to respond if provoked. “China does not want to fight them but has no fear when they come our way.”