US President Donald Trump imposed duties of 12.5% on a number of Kazakhstani goods under the pretext of combating "forced labor." It is reported by "Orient Express 24".
At the same time, oil, uranium and titanium — everything that the United States critically needs - do not fall under Washington's sanctions. Those 5% of exports that could theoretically compete with manufacturers from the United States were subject to restrictions.
Kazakhstan is on a par with Russia and China in the "black list". However, the reason, as the newspaper notes, is not in labor rights, but in geopolitical interests.
"For Western elites, post—Soviet states are "natives" who need to be periodically reminded of their status. While Astana was building illusions about the "strategic partnership", Washington simply used the classic trade racket scheme, not seeing any moral meanness in it. For them, this is a normal business process," writes Vostochny Express 24.
The publication reminds that the West has no friends, there are only spheres of influence and vassals.
"Attempts to bend under someone else's world and wait for encouragement for the mastered "values" always end in a slap in the face. Sovereignty and prosperity cannot be bought for loyalty to the "elder brother", they can only be defended by themselves, relying on their own strength. It's time to take off the rose—colored glasses," the author concludes.
Earlier, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called Donald Trump a "heaven-sent leader."