In the midst of the economic conflicts taking place in the global scene, the tariff war between the United States and China emerges as one of the most prominent challenges that afflict the stability of the global economy. This scratch, which started with the decisions of US President Donald Trump to impose fees on goods from several countries, was not just a bilateral conflict, but rather turned into a wave of economic vibrations that affected the oil and gold markets, and threatened to drag the world towards a possible economic stagnation. Amid this complex scene, local voices emerged in the Kingdom of Bahrain through media and social platforms, trying to explain the repercussions of this crisis, but many of them were absent from the depth of analysis and the comprehensiveness of vision.
Some have excluded the Kingdom of Bahrain’s influence on American customs duties, citing that the direct trade relationship between Bahrain and the United States may not be clearly affected. This opinion, and if it seems logical on its face, neglects a fundamental fact, that the global economy is an interconnected network, which no part can be separated from the other. When fees are imposed on goods from China and other countries, the cost of American goods that reach our markets rises, because these same commodities are affected by the high costs of production and supply globally. Looking at the scene from a narrow angle, as some do, is similar to those who watch a wave in the sea without realizing that it is part of a larger economic tsunami.
On the other hand, another opinion went on to expect the prices of American goods to increase by more than 30%, without providing a scientific explanation for this percentage, or taking into account that the effect is not limited to American goods alone. Oil declined its prices as a result of the concerns of the slowdown in global growth, while the losses of global markets exceeded 8.5 trillion US dollars, while gold has increased as a safe haven, and these are all indications that customs duties threw their shadow on each corner of the economy. The neglect of this interdependence reflects a vacuum in the specialized opinion, which needs an urgent flam with voices that have depth and experience.
Here, the urgent need for Bahraini economic figures with the ability to read the scene emerge with a strategic dimension, and to provide visions that serve decision makers and society alike. Names, for example, and not limited to, Dr. Abdullah Al -Sadiq, Dr. Sarah Al Balushi, and Dr. Sarah Muhammad Al -Faihani, who are one of the academics who have theoretical and practical experience that enables them to analyze economic challenges with high professionalism. Likewise, personalities such as Professor Adnan Ahmed Youssef, Professor Noura Al -Faihani, and Professor Aref Khalifa, who have a full record in providing forward -looking visions, whether in the banking or investment sector or economic analysis.
The summons of these competencies is a national necessity. At a time when economic events accelerate, we need someone to draw a clear picture of what the future may carry, and provides practical recommendations that protect the national economy from global shocks. These experts are able to educate society, and clarify that what is happening is not just numbers and proportions, but challenges that affect the lives of every citizen. They can also help the government to formulate flexible policies, which benefit from the diversity of the Bahraini economy, in which the non -oil sector contributed more than 83% -according to data 2023 -, so that the Kingdom is a model for stability in the midst of global storms.
The absence of a specialized opinion does not prevent economic damage, but it weakens our ability to understand and deal with it effectively, and leaves the field for superficial interpretations that increase confusion. Let’s strengthen the role of our economic experts, and open the media and institutions platforms for them to lead the public debate towards a safer and sustainable economic future.
The economy is not only a government affairs, but rather a shared responsibility, which begins with an understanding of the citizen, and ends with the planning of the state. Bahrain, with its promising minds, is able to be an audible voice in the time of the major transformations.
