Decoding the economic fallout from DeepSeek and US tariffs

THE US tariffs are intensifying global trade uncertainties and rattling supply chains, compelling policymakers and investors to reassess the economic landscape. Amid the simmering geopolitical tensions, a relatively unknown Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup, DeepSeek, is emerging as a disruptive force, which has prompted a fundamental rethink of how AI will evolve.

As US tariffs ramp up and supply-chain pressures mount alongside a paradigm shift in technological innovation, this column explores the potential implications for investors.

These fees are a central pillar of President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda. As it stands, the trade war rhetoric is gaining strong momentum, kicking off with tariffs on imports from China, Canada and Mexico.