Can America Still Be Trusted: Global Uncertainty and Trade Tensions

Can America Still Be Trusted: Global Uncertainty and Trade Tensions

About the writer: In an era of rapid global change, trust in long-standing alliances is being questioned. Industry veteran David Gibbons shares his concerns about the unpredictability of U.S. policies and their impact on international trade relationships and globalized supply chains. His insights shed light on the growing uncertainty and fear among global partners who once considered America a reliable ally.

The Rise of Uncertainty

Governments, industries and businesses are grappling with the sudden, dramatic and unpredictable changes in U.S. policy. The stock market continues to react to this uncertainty on a daily basis, and traditional allies are left wondering where they stand. This wavering stance is a “bullying” tactic that forces nations to reevaluate their positions: is America still a friend, or is it now a competitor, or is it considered to be hostile?

As former allies and friends, every nation now has to renegotiate its relationships. Uncertainty leads to fear, and fear erodes trust.

Trump’s Disruptive Approach

Donald Trump’s leadership style has been nothing short of disruptive. Known for shaking up the status quo, he has introduced significant policy shifts that have left allies and adversaries guessing. His approach is often compared to throwing a grenade into a room, shutting the door, and then reopening it to see what happens.

While some applaud his commitment to change, others worry about the long-term ramifications. Trump campaigned on a promise to put America first, cutting down on foreign aid and reducing international dependencies. This includes tightening control over trade, reinforcing tariffs, and pushing for domestic manufacturing—a move that has deeply affected global industries, including printing and imaging supplies.

The U.S.-China Trade War and Its Ripple Effects

One of the most significant global concerns is the U.S.-China relationship. The two economic powerhouses are deeply intertwined, yet their ongoing trade disputes have created major disruptions. Supply chain restrictions, tariffs, and political maneuvering have left businesses scrambling to adapt.

Both countries need each other. I see the trade wars as being a series of chest-thumping antics, with both sides trying to appear strong at the negotiation table.

One major issue is the U.S. trade deficit. With a reported $1 trillion deficit compared to China’s $1 trillion surplus, Trump has made it clear that he aims to turn the tide. His focus isn’t necessarily on defending Taiwan or engaging in geopolitical conflicts but on addressing economic imbalances that he believes are harming the U.S.

Impact on the Printing and Imaging Industry

The global imaging supplies industry is heavily reliant on international supply chains. Components such as chips, toners, and inks are primarily sourced from overseas, particularly China. If the U.S. continues its push for complete domestic production, it could spell trouble for industries that rely on cost-effective imports.

There are no toner manufacturers in the U.S. that can meet the demand for desktop printers. Will they invest, in a declining market, in developing mechanical and chemical toners in the U.S.? The remanufacturing industry, already in decline, will be hurt by these trade wars and tariffs. It could even be the death knell for the cartridge remanufacturing industry in America.

Major U.S. companies like HP have already felt the sting of policy changes, with restrictions on selling printers in markets like Russia. Meanwhile, competitors from China, Korea and Japan have stepped in to fill the void, further shifting the balance of power in the industry. HP will be compelled to build its printers and cartridges in America, and this will take away the competitive edge HP will have in global markets.

Looking Beyond Geopolitics

Globalization remains essential. The globalized “horses have bolted”, and there is no going back to the regional model that supplied all the supply chain ingredients.

The simple lead pencil is a perfect example of globalization. Different materials come from various parts of the world, undergo processing in multiple countries, and are finally assembled into the product you and I use every day. The lead or graphite core is primarily mined in Brazil, Canada, India, and Sri Lanka. The wood casing may come from Indonesia or Malaysia. The natural rubber used in the eraser may come from rubber trees in Thailand. The metal band holding the eraser is often made of aluminium mined in Australia, China, and Guinea, or it could be brass from Chile, Peru, and Zambia. The paint that coats a pencil is often derived from petroleum sourced in the U.S. or the Middle East.

While political tensions create roadblocks, they also open up new opportunities for innovation and collaboration. The key for businesses is to remain agile and forward-thinking.

We are still a global village. Rather than focusing on threats, we need to identify opportunities and build resilient industries that can withstand uncertainty.

For those in the remanufacturing industry, this means staying ahead of policy changes, diversifying supply chains, and finding creative solutions to keep operations running smoothly. While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear—the ability to adapt will determine success in this ever-changing landscape.

What are your thoughts on America’s shifting global role? Share your opinions in the comments below.

David Gibbons has 47 years of experience, knowledge and skills in business (management, consultancy, strategic planning) and communication (teaching, event management, fundraising, journalism, broadcasting and new/digital media—social, website, app development). He started and ran a successful cartridge remanufacturing business in Sydney and was also the Executive Officer of the Australasian Cartridge Remanufacturers’ Association for 7 years.

Until 2024, Gibbons has been a director in RT Media in Zhuhai, China, responsible for strategic planning, senior management, event planning, marketing, broadcasting and magazine publishing on behalf of the global imaging supplies industry. He is certainly aware of the challenges of remanufacturing in China.

His other blogs include:

• Can America Still Be Trusted: Global Uncertainty and Trade Tensions
• Winter is Coming for the Imaging Industry
• Call on ETIRA to Reveal More About Non-compliant Cartridges
• How Trade and Debt Contribute to Global Tensions
• Why Right to Repair is Not So Straightforward
• Some Quick Ink Facts I Bet You Never Knew
• Anger Over Exaggerations Lies and Deceit
• Invention—”Doing Our Part in Order to Create a Better Future”
• Einstein: Discovering the Impossible
• The Challenges of Remanufacturing in China
• Can the Chinese Really Deliver What the Rest of Us Want?

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