Tariffs are more than just taxes on imported goods—they’re reshaping the global economy in ways that affect us all. From Spanish vineyards to smartphone factories in the Chinese mainland, the ripple effects of trade barriers are being felt worldwide.
In Spain, winemakers like María face new challenges as their ambitions to sell globally are hindered by changing trade policies. “We used to export our wines easily, but now tariffs make it harder to compete,” she says.
The journey of a smartphone illustrates the complexity of modern supply chains. An iPhone relies on parts from multiple countries, assembled in the Chinese mainland, and sold globally. Tariffs on any part of this chain can disrupt production and increase prices for consumers.
In the appliance hub of Cixi, factories are adapting as tariffs reduce export opportunities. Many are turning inward, focusing on the growing domestic market to sustain their businesses.
The auto industry is another example, with vehicles assembled from parts sourced worldwide. New tariffs threaten to stall manufacturing and raise costs, impacting everyone from factory workers to drivers looking for affordable cars.
Even iconic brands like Harley-Davidson are not immune. With motorcycles built in facilities across the United States, Brazil, and Thailand, tariffs complicate production and force tough decisions on where to build and sell.
In our interconnected world, no economy stands alone. Tariffs may be tools of national policy, but their consequences are global. For young people in the Global South, understanding these dynamics is crucial, as they shape the job markets and economies of tomorrow.
