Legal and Political Analysis of Donald Trump's Trade War Against China, Canada, and Mexico from the Perspective of International Relations

Document Type : Research

Authors

1 Department of Politics and International Relations, Ha.C., Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.

2 PhD student in Public International Law, Department of Law, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.

Abstract

In recent decades, globalization and the expansion of international trade have become key features of the global economic system. However, with the start of Donald Trump’s trade war against China, Canada and Mexico, these relations were severely affected. Trump’s trade war, which intensified through the imposition of tariffs and trade barriers on imports and exports involving China, Canada, and Mexico, created new economic and political tensions in the global arena. Examining the causes, consequences, and legal challenges associated with this trade war is particularly important because its effects directly influence trade structures, international relations, and the global order. A trade war refers to economic and commercial tensions between countries that can arise from various factors, such as trade imbalances, economic interests, and security concerns. During Trump’s presidency, the United States focused on establishing a trade balance with China and sought to protect domestic industries and create jobs by imposing high tariffs. The present study, conducted using a descriptive-analytical approach, attempts to answer the question of what effects Trump’s trade war against China, Canada, and Mexico has had on international relations and global trade structures. The results of the study indicate that Trump’s trade war not only caused economic and political damage to the countries involved but also created serious challenges in the field of international trade law and international cooperation.

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International Political Economy Studies
Volume 8, Issue 2
March 2026
Pages 43-62

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History

  • Receive Date: 31 October 2025
  • Revise Date: 19 December 2025
  • Accept Date: 14 January 2026

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