The Trump tariffs tension sparked a global debate on protectionism and trade wars. Initiated by the former U.S. President’s policies on steel, aluminum, and Chinese goods, the move disrupted global supply chains and invited retaliatory measures. It affected markets, raised consumer prices, and challenged multilateral trade norms. Countries reassessed their trade dependencies and sought new alliances. This phase highlighted the risks of unilateral trade actions and underscored the importance of global economic cooperation.