The article analyzes Donald Trump's imposition of tariffs, highlighting the inconsistencies and political motivations behind them. While many countries faced tariffs, some adversaries, including Russia, Belarus, North Korea, and Cuba, received exemptions. This has raised many questions about the decision-making process.
The tariffs were levied even on uninhabited islands like Heard and McDonald Islands, exposing the plan to widespread ridicule. Explanations from the Trump administration, citing lack of trade with Russia or existing sanctions on Cuba, Belarus, and North Korea, were deemed unconvincing by experts.
Former Australian ambassador Peter Tesch suggests the exemptions stemmed from political decisions, rather than economic logic. He speculates on Trump's relationship with Putin, and possible requests from Putin regarding North Korea and Cuba.
The article notes that Vladimir Solovyov, a prominent Russian propagandist, praised Trump's tariffs as a blow against the West, suggesting that the tariffs might have served other strategic purposes.