The U.S. tariff abuse represents trade protectionism and roils the global trade ecosystem, a Nigerian expert said recently.
Anthony Busong, research associate of the Center for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) said the world should work together to promote global trade integration rather than isolation.
U.S. President Donald Trump has implemented sweeping tariffs on a wide range of countries since taking office, and earlier in April imposed a 10-percent "minimum baseline tariff" on all imports, before unveiling higher rates on certain trading partners.
"It's actually a disruption in the global trade ecosystem, a movement from a multilateral system that existed, international corporations between nations, to more of a unilateral, an isolationist kind of system. For trade experts, we believe it's more of a protectionist trade policy, of which I think the world should have gone beyond that, pushing for more trade integration at international level," he said in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV).
The expert believes the U.S. government should reconsider their tariff policy.
"Putting up a base tariff and a reciprocal tariff on different countries, of which we understand a defect, it's cross-cutting to even the least developed, like in Africa, the effect will really be high, going by the trade relationship in Africa. President Trump needs to sit back and then take a review to that policy, because we should move towards global cooperation, not more of an isolationist system," said Busong.
US tariff abuse harms global trade ecosystem: Nigerian expert
US tariff abuse harms global trade ecosystem: Nigerian expert
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
