On April 3rd, Reuters columnists pointed out that almost no one noticed that energy commodities were excluded from Trump's announced comprehensive new import tariffs.

The White House stated on Wednesday that the 10% baseline tariff on all US imports (higher for many major trading partners) would not apply to crude oil, natural gas, and refined petroleum products. The strategy of exempting energy imports is clearly intentional, aimed at limiting the price pain Americans will experience from tariffs and aligning with Trump's broader goal of maintaining low energy prices.

However, this move also intensifies the dilemma faced by other countries in the world regarding how to respond to Trump's disruption of the global trade system. For many countries, one of the best negotiating chips when responding to US tariffs is the energy they currently purchase or might purchase from the United States. (Jinshi)