handelsoorlog

handelsoorlog, Dutch for "trade war," refers to a situation in which two or more countries engage in reciprocal tariffs or other protectionist measures to protect domestic industries, recover lost market share, or pursue political objectives. The concept gains prominence when the involved nations impose duties on imports or export restrictions that retaliate against each other, creating a cycle of escalating trade barriers.

Historically, trade wars emerged during the Bronze Age when city‑states imposed restrictions to defend local commerce. In modern times, the most cited example is the 2018‑2020 U.S.–China trade war. The United States imposed tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods, prompting China to counter with tariffs on American products, affecting sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. The conflict highlighted the interconnectedness of global supply chains and the vulnerability of commodity commodities to policy shifts.

Trade wars can distort market signals, raise consumer prices, and reduce global trade volumes. For producers, higher costs of imported inputs can erode competitiveness. Conversely, domestic industries may benefit from reduced competition and protection of nascent markets. Policymakers use the term to assess risks to macroeconomic stability, employment, and international relations.

In the contemporary policy debate, scholars argue that trade wars often exacerbate geopolitical tensions without delivering lasting gains. Many advocate for multilateral forums such as the World Trade Organization to mediate disputes and sustain rules‑based trade. Accordingly, handelsoorlog serves as both a descriptive term and a cautionary concept in discussions of international economic conduct.