The Trade War Heats Up: Tariffs, Oil Plunges, and Global Reactions

The trade war didn’t take the weekend off—and neither did the ripple effects shaking the global economy. If you found yourself tossing around the word “tariff” more than usual during your weekend chats with friends and family, you’re not alone. President Trump’s escalating trade policies have everyone on edge, from Wall Street to foreign capitals. Here’s a deep dive into the latest developments as of April 7, 2025, that are keeping the world buzzing—and markets trembling. First up, the big news: as of just after midnight on Saturday, a baseline 10% tariff slammed into effect on virtually all goods imported into the United States. It’s a sweeping move that’s already sending shockwaves through supply chains. But that’s just the appetizer. Come Wednesday, April 9, much steeper “reciprocal” tariffs are set to kick in, targeting specific exporting giants. Take Vietnam, a manufacturing powerhouse—starting midweek, it’ll face a whopping 46% tariff on its goods heading to the U.S. This stagger...