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This is fresh air. I'm Terry Gross. I follow the news pretty carefully, but it used to be that when I'd

come across an article about tariffs or free trade, I'd give myself permission to skip over it.

I assumed it might be boring, and that I wouldn't understand it even if I read it. But now,

now, Trump's tariffs are high drama. They've upended world markets,

and it feels essential to understand their impact on the U.S. and the global economy,

how they might have a long-term effect on U.S. relations with our allies and adversaries,

and how they'll affect consumer prices and our savings.

Here to help me and you better understand what's happening is a journalist who's been

covering economic issues for years and recently returned from a reporting trip to China.

Zanny Minton-Bettos is the editor-in-chief of The Economist.

She previously was the magazine's business editor and economics editor

and is a former economist for the International Monetary Fund.

We recorded our interview yesterday morning.

Trump's tariffs went into effect at midnight,

and this afternoon, as I record this introduction,

he's put a 90-day pause on most of the tariffs, but not Chinas. But who knows what will happen later today? Our interview is about the

context and possible consequences of the tariffs, so it will be helpful in understanding the news

whatever twists and turns the story takes.

Zani Mint and Beddows, welcome back to fresh air.

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