LESS THAN two weeks into his new administration, Donald Trump has positioned giant tariffs on America’s three greatest buying and selling companions—elevating the spectre of a worldwide commerce battle. With govt orders signed on February 1st, he initiated tariffs of 25% on imports from each Canada and Mexico, and added levies of 10% to imports from China. Though Mr Trump had vowed to just do this, his actions will nonetheless symbolize a shock to the global economy. They’ll drive up costs, weigh on progress and sow uncertainty for companies. Furthermore, they’re more likely to be simply the primary salvo for Mr Trump, who’s itching to implement tariffs which might be each extra aggressive and extra international.