Sino–U.S. Rivalry on Trade and Tariffs: The Donald Trump Era

Abstract

The escalation of trade tensions between the United States and China during Donald Trump’s presidency marked one of the most consequential economic confrontations of the 21st century. This study explores the dynamics of Sino–U.S. rivalry in trade and tariffs from 2017 to 2021, highlighting how protectionist policies, economic nationalism, and strategic competition redefined global trade relations. Using a qualitative, descriptive, and interpretive approach, the paper analyzes the motivations behind the Trump administration’s tariff measures, China’s retaliatory policies, and the broader implications for global supply chains, international institutions, and bilateral diplomacy. The research also evaluates the outcomes of this trade conflict, including shifts in global manufacturing, emerging technological decoupling, and the reshaping of multilateral trade frameworks. Findings suggest that while Trump’s tariff policies sought to correct trade imbalances and curb China’s industrial ascent, they instead deepened economic nationalism, disrupted global trade norms, and catalyzed a long-term strategic rivalry between the two powers that extends beyond economics into technology, security, and ideology.

Keywords: Sino–U.S. rivalry, trade war, tariffs, Donald Trump, China, global economy, protectionism, international trade policy.