American tariff measures are undermining multilateralism and free trade while creating global uncertainty that may ultimately harm the U.S. economy itself, Colombian experts warned.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), Colombian politicians and economists criticized the Trump administration's new tariff measures. They denounced the tariffs as violating bilateral treaties and international standards and warned that they will not serve to boost the growth of U.S. industries.
Carlos Martinez Becerra, an economist at National University of Colombia, noted that the new U.S. trade policies represent a negative approach that damages both the multilateral system and existing free trade agreements.
"The measures (imposed by the United States) affect multilateralism on the one hand, and also hinder free trade agreements on the other. As a result, this generates international uncertainty, instead of creating favorable conditions, even for the United States itself. What is being created are mechanisms of expanded uncertainty," he said.
Alejandro Toro Ramirez, chairman of the Second Committee on International Relations in Colombia's House of Representatives, observed that the U.S. policies might ironically accelerate the emergence of a multipolar world by pushing other countries to strengthen cooperation among themselves. "But we believe it will end up benefiting a world that is beginning to become multipolar. They (The United States) are no longer the center of the world. Today, we, among other countries, have to face each other and establish other lines (of cooperation) because it has already been demonstrated that the United States no longer recognizes the rules of the World Trade Organization," said Toro.
These comments came amid growing international criticism of recent U.S. trade measures, with many countries exploring alternative economic partnerships and trade mechanisms to reduce dependence on the U.S.-led system. Experts suggest these developments reflect a broader shift in the global economic order as nations adapt to what they see as America's increasingly protectionist stance.
US tariff policies undermine multilateralism: Colombian experts
