Trump’s tariff storm shakes global markets, sparks diplomatic pushback

The United States is set to impose sweeping new tariffs on over 60 countries starting Wednesday, triggering a global wave of diplomatic outreach and economic concern, according to journalist Kamran Khan.

Khan said the tariffs, ranging from 10% to 49%, have caused significant disruption across Asia and Europe over the past week. The move is part of President Donald Trump’s aggressive effort to reduce America’s trade deficit and national debt, which he claims has reached $36 trillion.

“These tariffs are a shock to the system,” Kamran Khan said. “They are clearly aimed at putting maximum pressure on China and the European Union.”

In response, countries are urgently engaging the Trump administration through both official and backchannel diplomacy. Pakistan, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand and the Philippines are either dispatching delegations to Washington or contacting U.S. officials directly.

On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Khan said Islamabad stressed the need to strengthen its partnership with Washington, while Rubio emphasized long-term economic cooperation.

European nations, meanwhile, have proposed eliminating reciprocal tariffs on industrial goods and vehicles. Vietnam and others have offered to reduce or remove duties on U.S. products in a bid to avoid harsher penalties.

China, however, has retaliated with a 34% tariff on American goods, prompting Trump to threaten a further 50% levy in return. “Tensions with Beijing are intensifying,” Khan noted.

Despite the hardline stance, there are mixed signals from Washington. Treasury Secretary Bessent has hinted that Trump may be open to negotiations in the future.

On social media, the tariff policy has become a target of satire. A viral AI-generated video mocked world leaders with catwalks, showing Russian President Vladimir Putin as the only one spared tariffs — a point of humor and speculation.

Kamran Khan said the situation remains volatile: “No immediate relief seems likely, but countries are doing all they can to protect their exports and manage the storm.”