More Tariffs? Trump’s “Trade” Band Back Together.

Published on: Sun, 17 May 2026 21:02:16 GMT
Original Story: White House says Trump and Xi agreed on ‘board of trade’ at summit – Financial Times

Trump and Xi: The Reunion Tour Nobody Asked For

Okay, folks, buckle up. Remember the good ol’ days of 2018, when Trump was slapping tariffs on everything that moved, claiming it was the only way to Make America Great Again™? Well, according to the White House (always a reliable source, *eye roll*), Trump and Xi Jinping had a little pow-wow, and apparently, they’ve agreed on creating some sort of “board of trade.” Because, you know, the last time Trump played trade negotiator, the global economy totally *didn’t* feel like it was teetering on the brink.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about free and fair trade. This is about Trump thinking he can strong-arm China into submission with the same tired tactics that yielded, at best, mixed results last time. Because, apparently, learning from past mistakes is for…losers? Or maybe for people who read books. You know, those things that aren’t available on Truth Social.

Remember 2018? We Do. Painfully.

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane, shall we? Back in 2018, Trump, fresh off his surprise election victory, decided that China was the enemy, the root of all our economic woes. His solution? Tariffs! Tariffs on steel, tariffs on aluminum, tariffs on everything but the kitchen sink (and maybe those were next). The idea was simple, at least in Trump’s mind: make China pay, bring jobs back to America, and look good doing it.

The reality, of course, was a bit more complicated. American businesses paid the price in the form of higher costs for imported goods. Farmers got screwed when China retaliated by slapping tariffs on American soybeans and other agricultural products. The stock market went on a rollercoaster ride. And the trade deficit with China…well, it didn’t exactly disappear. In fact, at times, it even *increased*. Because simple solutions rarely work in a complex global economy. Shocker.

So, What’s Different This Time? (Spoiler: Probably Nothing)

The obvious question is: what makes anyone think this time will be different? Is Trump suddenly a trade genius? Did he discover some secret formula for economic prosperity hidden in a box of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago? Highly doubtful.

The problem is, Trump sees trade as a zero-sum game. He believes that if America wins, China loses, and vice versa. He doesn’t seem to grasp the idea that trade can be mutually beneficial, creating jobs and opportunities for both countries. And let’s not forget the potential impact on global supply chains, which are already strained enough. Another trade war would be like pouring gasoline on a dumpster fire. Fun times ahead.

“Board of Trade”: What Does It Even Mean?

Let’s be honest, the term “board of trade” is vague enough to mean just about anything. Is it a formal negotiating body? A back-channel for informal talks? A way for Trump and Xi to pretend they’re doing something while actually accomplishing nothing? Your guess is as good as mine.

What *is* likely is that it’s another attempt by Trump to appear strong and decisive, to show his base that he’s still fighting for them. But behind the bluster and the bravado, there’s a very real risk that this “board of trade” could lead to more tariffs, more trade disputes, and more economic uncertainty. Because, you know, that’s exactly what the world needs right now.

The Art of the (Trade) Deal… Or Not

Trump has always fancied himself a master dealmaker, the “Art of the Deal” guy. But his track record on trade is…well, let’s just say it’s less “art” and more “finger painting with mud.” The USMCA (formerly NAFTA) was mostly a rehash of the old agreement. The “phase one” trade deal with China was a temporary truce that didn’t address the underlying issues. And the Trans-Pacific Partnership? He pulled out of that one faster than you can say “America First.”

So, forgive me if I’m not exactly brimming with optimism about this latest “board of trade” venture. History suggests that it will be more of the same: lots of noise, lots of disruption, and not a whole lot of actual progress.

Snarky Takeaway

Here’s the bottom line: Trump’s obsession with tariffs and trade wars is a dangerous game. It’s a game that hurts American businesses, farmers, and consumers. It’s a game that undermines the global economy. And it’s a game that Trump seems destined to play again, and again, and again, regardless of the consequences. So, invest in popcorn. It’s going to be a long four years (again).