🎙️E27: Trump’s Tariff Chess Game: How It’s Shaking Canada, China, India & Big Tech

Donald Trump’s latest wave of tariffs isn’t just about trade percentages—it’s about power, leverage, and reshaping global alliances. In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda unpack the chaotic ripple effects across Canada, the EU, India, and China, revealing the geopolitical strategy behind the numbers.

From rare earth minerals and semiconductor supply chains to the surprising role of BRICS nations, we explore how tariffs are being used as both a negotiation tool and a political weapon. We also dive into the ethical questions—who really pays the price, and what does it mean for US consumers and global tech?

📌 Topics we cover:

- Why US consumers might be the biggest losers in this trade war

- How tariffs are shaping alliances against (and with) China

- The hidden tech and AI implications of onshoring semiconductor production

- Canada’s political missteps and what they mean for trade leverage

- BRICS, rare earths, and the fight for economic independence- This isn’t just economics, it’s geopolitics, tech policy, and power plays rolled into one.

🕒 Chapters

00:00 Understanding Trump's Tariff Strategy

05:13 Geopolitical Implications of Tariffs

09:18 Canada's Response to Tariffs

16:35 India's Complex Relationship with Tariffs

21:26 The Complex US-China Relationship

25:43 US Tariffs and Their Strategic Implications

30:39 Big Tech vs. Startups: A Disparity in Resources

35:00 Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Geopolitics

40:18 Consumer Choices and Economic Impact

🔗 Connect with Us + Further Reading:

• Aparna Bhushan — https://www.linkedin.com/in/aparnabhushan• Harinda Katugaha — https://www.linkedin.com/in/harindak

• Full transcript, sources & bonus clips → https://rethinktech.substack.com/

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