Ever since Trump became president, the U.S. has been a constant fixture on trending searches.
In the past week of tariff turmoil, not only did the stock market take a rollercoaster ride, but each day's tariff policy updates delivered fresh shocks.
Source: AP
Tariffs on China escalated step by step, skyrocketing from 54% to 145%.
Then, suddenly, an exemption order was signed, announcing temporary relief from high tariffs on key electronic products like smartphones and computers.
Source: CNBC
This tariff tug-of-war, worthy of a TV drama, had onlookers exclaiming, "Trump flips faster than turning a page."
Tariff Tug-of-War: The Full Saga of Trump's Flip-Flops
The recent tariff tug-of-war has been a daily escalation.
April 2: Trump announced "reciprocal tariffs" on countries worldwide, starting at a baseline of 10%, with an immediate additional tariff on Chinese goods pushing the total to 54%.
April 4: China retaliated by announcing a 34% additional tariff on all U.S. products, effective April 10.
April 8: The U.S. increased pressure, stating that if China did not withdraw its tariffs, an extra 50% tariff would be added, raising the total rate to 104%. That same day, the U.S. also expanded the "de minimis" customs tax policy, tripling the tax on parcels previously valued under $800.
Trump even made a shocking statement: "All countries are kissing my ass, trying to make a deal. China wants to talk too, but they're too embarrassed to say so."
April 9: The three major U.S. stock indices fluctuated, with some Chinese concept stocks experiencing short-term corrections. China raised its additional tariff rate on U.S. goods from 34% to 84%.
April 10: The White House confirmed that the total tariff rate on Chinese goods had reached 145%, including a 125% reciprocal tariff and a 20% fentanyl surcharge.
April 11: China again raised its tariffs to 125% and explicitly stated that this would be the last increase on U.S. goods. If the U.S. continues to raise tariffs, China will no longer respond.
Source: Ministry of Finance
Eventually, Trump was the first to blink.
Late on April 11, the U.S. government suddenly announced that electronics like smartphones and computers would be exempt from high tariffs to ease market pressure.
Source: BBC
American netizens: "Is this the ultimate tug-of-war between bitter rivals?"
Source: X
"Trump is like a street thug shaking everyone down for protection money, only to run into someone he can't handle."
"He thought he was playing Texas hold'em, but after bluffing, he realized he had no cards."
"Well, now the whole world knows that U.S. Treasury bonds are Trump's Achilles' heel."
Chinese netizens: "He really resembles a mad concubine banished to the cold palace, desperate for attention."
"Even after our breakup, I'm still using the power bank you gave me."
"Has this guy been watching too many domineering CEO dramas?"
Source: rednote
"I suggest having a psychiatric evaluation for Trump."
Tariffs Spike, and People Lose Their Minds
Since Trump took office, every day in the U.S. has been surreal.
With $20 for a dozen eggs, 145% tariffs, and the mentally stimulating Trump family, they've turned the world upside down.
Tariff policies change daily, sending the stock market on a wild ride.
American netizens: "401K turned into 201K 😅"
Source: X
While the stock market plunged into uncharted territory, Trump and his buddies cashed in big time.
Trump pointed at Charles Schwab, founder of Charles Schwab Corporation, at the White House: "This guy just made $2 billion in the stock market recently 👉"
Source: X
Is he allowed to say that? Schwab was already sweating bullets.
Source: rednote
Elon Musk and Trump's trade advisor Peter Navarro also got into a fight over tariffs.
Navarro said Musk was just an electric car salesman; Musk called Navarro an idiot—dumber than a bag of bricks.
Source: X
White House spokesperson responded: Boys will be boys.
Source: Instagram
Fine. The two of them are nearly 150 years old combined, yet they're bickering like elementary school kids.
When titans clash, ordinary people suffer. A Canadian netizen: "A $200 item with a $50 tariff—who can relate?"
American netizens also shared their receipts: These tariffs are making it impossible to afford anything.
Source: Reddit
"Does Vance know his eyeliner is going to cost more?"
Source: rednote
"Can MAGA supporters still afford their hats?"
In these days of soaring tariffs, we can only find solace in memes, turning pain into laughter.
Source: rednote
What the Tariff Game Means for International Students in the U.S.
In the short term, it remains uncertain whether these new tariffs will ultimately be implemented. However, one thing is certain: the game will not stop.
The impact of tariffs on international students includes:
Rising Living Costs
Daily consumer goods prices are fluctuating noticeably: clothing, household items (at retailers like Costco and Target) are already showing signs of varying degrees of price increases.
Source: X
Pressure on Chinese food ingredients: Import-dependent items like soy sauce and hotpot base are likely to see price hikes at Asian supermarkets if their tariffs increase.
Invisible Hurdles in Studies and Employment
Higher costs for textbooks and equipment: Rising prices for imported lab supplies and books required by some majors will increase the cost of accessing academic resources.
Source: edweek
Shrinking internship opportunities: Restrictions on Chinese companies in the U.S. are tightening hiring for tech and trade-related positions, intensifying competition.
Stricter visa reviews: Visa scrutiny may tighten in certain sensitive industries, and students from flagged institutions or majors may face higher review hurdles.
Psychological Stress from Uncertainty
Frequent policy changes easily trigger anxiety among international students. Comments on social media may further exacerbate unease.
Beyond tariff policies, international students are also dealing with more immediate impacts, such as revoked student visas and rescinded Ph.D. offers. When titans clash, international students are always struggling to survive in the cracks.
Source: rednote
In an environment rife with uncertainty, the psychological burden on international students is palpable. In a society where personal connections matter, seeing local Americans willing to support international students gives us a bit of strength amid the chaos.
Source: rednote
Globalization has never been as challenging as it is today, but never before has it been so full of opportunities. What we as international students can do is strengthen our adaptability in the face of uncertainty.
When shopping daily, use price comparison tools and student discounts to save money. In job hunting, consider temporarily avoiding industries heavily impacted by trade fluctuations while enhancing core competitiveness for "non-sensitive" positions. Keep a close eye on policy updates from embassies, schools, or mainstream media, and avoid sensitive topics in resumes and social media profiles. Should problems arise, promptly seek help from relevant professionals or organizations.
If prices go up, find alternatives. If opportunities shrink, expand your horizons. Most importantly, maintain psychological resilience and learn to manage your emotions. Keeping a calm mindset and responding to changes with constancy is our survival wisdom.
