The US government has used tariff and Section 301 investigations in the past as tools to extort benefits from some of its trade partners. But there are signs that this time it is targeting almost all of its major trade partners, which promises greater harm to the global economy and international trade.

China and other major trade partners of the United States have shown great sincerity in their trade talks with Washington, in an effort to bridge the differences that exist. But the unwillingness of the Donald Trump administration to do likewise has made it almost impossible for any agreement to be reached, especially as it seems that it is willing to renege on any consensus reached.