The United States could harm its own economy by continuing with protectionist trade policies, according to Japanese experts. They say the U.S. is ignoring global trade trends that focus on free trade and cooperation among nations. Instead of helping its economy grow, these actions might weaken it in the long run.
The U.S. government has pushed forward with high tariffs and one-sided trade agreements under the idea of making the country strong again. But Japanese scholars say this approach could isolate the country and slow its economic growth. They believe that while the U.S. is focused on its own short-term gains, countries in Asia and the Global South are building long-term partnerships that could shape the future of the world economy.
Kumiko Haba, a professor emeritus of international relations in Tokyo, explained that the U.S. has shaken the global market by using high tariffs to get better deals for itself. However, this approach has also made other countries worry. As the U.S. steps away from multilateral trade systems, more countries in Asia are joining forces to strengthen free trade.
Haba said the future of global trade and economic leadership is moving toward Asia. She believes that growing cooperation in the region will bring a new era focused on peace and shared progress. She also urged Japan, China, South Korea, and Southeast Asian nations to work together and lead this shift by building strong trade connections and encouraging peaceful development.
Kazuyuki Hamada, an international political economist and former Japanese official, agreed with this view. He pointed out that the U.S. is using trade as a tool to put pressure on both rivals and allies. He said this approach works against the basic idea of global cooperation and free trade. Hamada warned that such actions are not only unfair but also dangerous for the global economy.
Both experts said that countries like those in the ASEAN group, along with BRICS and the Global South, should play a bigger role in shaping the world’s trade rules. They believe these groups are better prepared to lead the next phase of economic growth, especially if they focus on partnerships, not politics.
Haba advised Asian countries to keep calm and build stronger supply chains instead of reacting to every change in U.S. policy. She said it is important to look ahead and prepare for a shift in global economic power. In her view, the second half of this century will see more trade between Asian nations and less dependence on the United States or Europe.
There has been a recent 90-day pause in new U.S. tariffs, which some see as a small chance for dialogue. Hamada sees this as an opportunity for other countries to come together and stand against unfair trade practices. But he also warned that no one knows what will happen once the 90 days are over. He believes the U.S. could easily change direction again.
Japan is trying to negotiate directly with the U.S. to reduce the impact of tariffs. On May 30, Japan’s top trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, met with U.S. officials in Washington, D.C. He asked them to remove extra tariffs on Japanese products. According to reports from Kyodo News, both countries agreed to keep talking and try to reach a deal. They also plan to meet again before the G7 Summit in mid-June, where leaders from both sides might discuss the issue further.
The experts say the world is moving toward open trade and stronger global partnerships. While the U.S. focuses on short-term benefits through protectionism, countries in Asia and the Global South are working toward long-term cooperation. These actions may create a more stable and fair world economy in the years to come.
