Trump’s Trade Policy and the Global Trading Order: Temporary Disruption or Structural Shift?

Recent U.S. trade policies under Donald Trump have intensified debate over whether global trade is experiencing temporary disruption or long-term transformation. Expanded tariffs and unilateral trade actions reflect deeper structural shifts already underway, including rising geoeconomic competition, renewed industrial policy, and growing concerns over supply chain security. Rather than signaling the collapse of the rules-based system, current developments point to a hybrid trade order where multilateral frameworks coexist with strategic economic rivalry. For emerging economies, particularly in Southeast Asia, adapting through flexibility, regional cooperation, and diversified partnerships is essential amid increasing uncertainty in global trade governance.

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