Trump’s Flawed Tariff Math: Playing Chess or Rolling Dice?

Is there a deliberate strategy behind the Trump administration’s flawed tariff math — or is it just chaos cloaked in policy? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we unpack the ripple effects of President Donald Trump’s so-called “reciprocal tariffs,” including a 47% tariff on Malaysian goods.

Dr. Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education, joins us to break down the flawed logic behind the U.S. calculations, the broader risks of a global trade war, and what Malaysian businesses and policymakers should do in response.

We explore the historical cycle of protectionism, how tariffs shrink markets and hurt jobs, and why Malaysia must double down on trade diversification, services liberalisation, and business consolidation to remain competitive.

Dr. Carmelo also explains why Southeast Asia may become collateral in the U.S.–China rivalry and how this new multipolar era could reshape global trade for decades to come.

Whether you’re a policymaker, exporter, or business leader — this is essential listening.

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