Nepal, April 17 -- On April 2, the United States imposed the most sweeping tariff hikes in recent history, disproportionately affecting its trade partners. While the developing world has reacted with fragmented strategies, China seems determined to respond with reciprocity and consolidate a collaborative front among developing countries against the US's move. However, countries like India and Vietnam declined such collaboration and opted to negotiate individually.

Such fragmentation not only reflects a lack of unified strategy, but it also signals a complex interplay of divergent economic needs, national interests and unfolding geopolitical realities. This article examines key patterns contributing to these fragmented strategies and refl...