Donald Trump's possible re-election could be bad for Suffolk

Dr Duncan Weaver, senior lecturer and course leader of International Relations at the University of Suffolk has warned that the former President could "impose trade tariffs on countries friend or foe".

The US general election takes place next week on Tuesday, November 5, with current Vice-President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump currently neck and neck in the polls. 

The race to decide the 47th President of the United States heads to the wire next week Either candidate could take power in the white house next Tuesday.

"If [Donald Trump] gets back into power, he is going to introduce trade tariffs on other countries, friend or foe," he said.

"We live in a complex, interconnected world where only a tiny fraction of our goods in Suffolk and East Anglia are made here, which means things have to be imported.

Dr Duncan Weaver, senior lecturer and course leader for the University of Suffolk's MA in International Relations (Image: University of Suffolk) "There is a real risk of a trade war primarily between the US and European Union but also potentially between the US and China,"

"The consequences of this won't be limited to the United States but will be felt globally, products and goods will become more costly, but I caveat that that with a pinch of salt."

Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, lots of trade flows through the region through the Port of Felixstowe, the largest port in the UK.

Dr Weaver said he did not believe the effects would have a negative impact on the Port of Felixstowe (Image: PA) But Dr Weaver believes that the effects of any trade war between the US and EU will not negatively impact Felixstowe, but will impact prices.

"Its not going to mean logistical issues, or busier roads or a back log of lorries, but the consumer will ultimately have to the price," he explained.

"If there is an regional escalation in the conflict in the Middle East, then shipping companies will not want to put there crews at risk.

"Ships will have to be rerouted and the cost of oil will go up, all at the expense of the consumer." 

The article of Saturday 2 November, relating to Dr Duncan Weaver's observations on the US Presidential election, erroneously stated that Dr Weaver was strongly in favour of Kamala Harris. This was incorrect, and we apologise for the error.