Expert Warns Trump Tariffs Could Trigger Global Recession

Executive director at the Caribbean Policy Research Institute, CAPRI, Dr. Damien King, is warning that the sweeping tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump could trigger a global recession.

Dr. King, who speaking during Nationwide at Five on Wednesday, says Jamaica will likely feel the effects of this move.

President Trump announced a 10 per cent universal tariff on all imports into the United States at a Rose Garden ceremony on Wednesday.

The measure includes Jamaican exports. He claims the tariff is a response to countries, like Jamaica, having an existing 10 per cent duty on US imports.

Trump has argued that the tariffs will help US manufacturers, protect jobs and prevent migrants and drugs from reaching the US.

But Dr. King says Trump’s belief is misguided. He explains that import tariffs disrupt production efficiency by shifting manufacturing from the most efficient locations to less efficient ones.

Meanwhile, Dr. King is dismissing President Trump’s assertion that a universal tariff increase will benefit the US economy.

Dr. Damien King, executive director at CAPRI.

And social and political commentator, Dr Karren Dunkley, says the universal tariffs may erode profit margins for local manufacturers and businesses.

Dr Karren Dunkley, social and political commentator. She was also speaking during Nationwide at Five on Wednesday.