Roberto Azevêdo, former director general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), assessed that both governments and the private sector were taken by surprise for the hardness of Donald Trump’s trade policy in his second term as president of the United States.
As they responded to US tariffs, economies such as the European Union (EU), Mexico and Canada did “reasonably well” from their point of view. But who has been “surgical” in the reaction to the US, according to Azevêdo, is China.
“Who I really think is giving the world a lesson is China. […] They are taking the right actions to minimize the impact on China and maximize the American impact and its political system, ”said the formerom WW.
what Azevêdo called the “death certificate” for the performance of these companies and, consequently, to the US economy.
With experiences of decades in business and international trade relations, Azevêdo estimated that the most difficult negotiation is one in which there is no “chemistry” between the parties. “Rationality disappears,” he emphasized.
Thus, in addition to the dynamics established by the Republican in his diplomacy, “where decisions are almost personal,” the expert said that “it is very difficult [estar preparado]”For these negotiations.
Its conclusion is that “[o setor privado] As the whole world did not prepare, it underestimated [Trump]”.
“Many thought it would be good, and I said ‘people, there is no such exchange.’ He doubles the bet. The private sector was not even recently understanding the dynamics of this relationship, thinking it was a traditional negotiation, ”he said.
Thus, he reiterated that “China is the one who is better understanding what is happening and reacting in the best possible way.”
