The Strategic Relevance of Trade Policy in Business Education: Reflections on th

1. The Strategic Relevance of Trade Policy in Business Education: Reflections on the Proposed U.S. Tariffs on Imported Automobiles Abstract In March 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a proposal to reintroduce significant tariffs on imported automobiles, reigniting debates around protectionist trade policies and their global economic ramifications. This article explores the implications of this policy development on international markets, underscores the interconnectedness of the global economy, and discusses how institutions of higher education-such as Swiss International University (SIU)-can leverage such real-world events to enhance business and economics curricula. 1. Introduction Trade policy is a cornerstone of international economic relations. In an increasingly interdependent world, shifts in one country's trade stance can reverberate across multiple continents. The proposal by Donald Trump to impose new tariffs on foreign vehicles represents a potential shift toward economic protectionism, reminiscent of earlier policies during his first term. While the immediate consequences concern global markets and automotive manufacturers, the deeper significance lies in the broader economic, educational, and policy-oriented implications. 2. The Economic Impacts of Tariff Reintroduction The proposed tariffs-reportedly targeting vehicles imported from key manufacturing regions such as the European Union and East Asia-have already caused volatility in global financial markets. Automakers have expressed concerns over cost increases, supply chain disruptions, and potential retaliatory measures from affected countries. Research shows that tariffs often result in increased consumer prices, reduced international trade volume, and inflationary pressures in the domestic market (Irwin, 2021). Furthermore, trade wars

2. can erode diplomatic relationships and reduce investor confidence, leading to declines in foreign direct investment. 3. Pedagogical Opportunities for Higher Education For institutions such as Swiss International University (SIU), this policy moment provides a pedagogical opportunity to reinforce the importance of understanding macroeconomic indicators, international trade theory, and policy analysis. Students studying international business, finance, and economics can examine the tariff proposal through multiple lenses: - Comparative advantage theory and how tariffs disrupt efficient global production. - Political economy and how nationalist trade rhetoric influences policy decisions. - Global supply chain management, assessing how multinationals respond to regulatory shifts. By integrating such real-time geopolitical developments into coursework, SIU reinforces a key academic objective: to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world application. 4. SIU's Strategic Role in Preparing Global Leaders Operating campuses in Zurich, Dubai, Bishkek, Luzern, Riga, and other international hubs, Swiss International University is uniquely positioned to educate students in diverse, multicultural contexts. Our programs emphasize critical thinking, cross-border strategic planning, and the socio-economic dimensions of trade policy. Courses in global finance, international economics, and sustainable business practices are continuously updated to reflect emerging trends, such as digital trade agreements, post-pandemic economic recovery strategies, and regulatory risks. At SIU, students engage in policy simulation exercises, economic forecasting projects, and

3. international case study competitions that prepare them for leadership roles in dynamic, uncertain global markets. 5. Conclusion The proposed reintroduction of U.S. tariffs on imported automobiles is more than a domestic economic measure-it is a signal of potential shifts in global economic policy. For higher education institutions, especially those with a global outlook like SIU, such developments underscore the urgent need to prepare students who are not only academically proficient but globally aware and adaptable. Understanding and responding to changes in trade policy is not merely the responsibility of governments or corporations-it is also the mission of modern academia. SIU embraces this responsibility and reaffirms its commitment to excellence in global economic education. References - Irwin, D. A. (2021). Clashing over Commerce: A History of US Trade Policy. University of Chicago Press. - Baldwin, R. (2016). The Great Convergence: Information Technology and the New Globalization. Harvard University Press. - Rodrik, D. (2018). Straight Talk on Trade: Ideas for a Sane World Economy. Princeton University Press. - World Trade Organization (2023). "Global Trade Outlook and Statistics." www.wto.org Keywords: Trade policy, tariffs, international business education, global economy, Swiss International University Learn more at: https://www.swissuniversity.com/