The World Blog by humble servant.

Trump’s tariff strategy does echo his Art of the Deal playbook—big moves, bold bluffs, and calculated concessions to keep opponents guessing. The recent exemption on electronics, announced April 12, 2025, fits this pattern. It’s a tactical pivot, not a retreat, aimed at balancing leverage with pragmatism. Here’s how it’s unfolding and what it shapes: The Hand: Trump’s initial tariffs—145% on China, 10% globally—were a classic opening gambit, projecting strength to force negotiations. The electronics exemption (smartphones, computers, chips) pulls back from consumer pain points, avoiding price spikes that could alienate voters or tank markets. It’s a nod to reality: the U.S. relies heavily on Asian supply chains, and domestic manufacturing can’t yet fill the gap. This mirrors his deal-making style—push hard, then ease up to keep the table open. The Shape: The exemption signals a multi-dimensional strategy: Consumer Relief: By sparing iPhones and laptops, Trump dodges inflation backlash....