Tariffs as geopolitical weapon: U.S. trade policy reshapes alliances, not deficits

2026-02-10 - 11:15

The U.S. administration champions tariffs as a cornerstone of national economic revival, yet to the rest of the world, they function primarily as an instrument of geopolitical pressure. This dichotomy raises a fundamental question: if comprehensive protectionism were a proven engine of long-term prosperity, why has it never been the sustained strategy of the world's largest economy? From Industrial Nostalgia to Services Dominance The American economy has undergone a profound structural shift over decades. Manufacturing's share of U.S. GDP has fallen from over a fifth in the mid-20th century to about 10% today, as production of lower-value goods migrated to countries with lower labor costs. This transition was paralleled by the explosive growth of the high-value services and technology sectors, which now constitute roughly 80% of U.S. economic output and employment. The U.S. maintains a commanding lead in global services exports, underscoring its evolved economic strengths. Understanding the Structural Trade Deficit The persistent U.S. trade deficit in goods, which stood at -$86.9 billion in January 2026 despite a services surplus, is often cited as a policy failure. However, economists point to underlying structural causes: high domestic wealth and consumer demand fuel imports; the dollar's reserve currency status makes exports expensive and imports cheap; and complex global supply chains necessitate importing components for advanced domestic production. Attempting to reverse these deeply entrenched realities through tariffs incurs high costs with questionable benefits, evidenced by studies showing minimal net job creation and contributing to domestic affordability pressures. Geopolitical Fallout and Alliance Realignment The more significant impact of aggressive tariff policy may be geopolitical. Rather than returning production to the U.S., it has accelerated the diversification of global supply chains and prompted key partners to deepen ties elsewhere. Strategic partnerships between Canada and China, a landmark EU-India trade deal, and the strengthening of regional blocs like the RCEP and CPTPP are widely viewed as direct hedges against U.S. unpredictability. This realignment has grown so pronounced that some allies are now proposing governmental bodies specifically to manage economic relations with Washington as a potential adversary. A Fragilized Global Order The broader consequence is a weakening of