Former US President Donald Trump has secured a second term in office, leading US media outlets have reported, after officials in Wisconsin confirmed that the Republican candidate has won the state.

The win delivered ten electoral college votes to Trump, bringing him over the threshold of 270. He claimed victory hours earlier, predicting that he would also win the popular vote once the final tally is made.

Wisconsin was one of the key battleground states in this election cycle, potentially flipping for either of the two candidates. The results of several of these swing states largely determine who wins the election. Under the country’s political system, all electoral votes from each state go to the winner.

Over the course of Trump’s previous term in office, a trade war between the US and China escalated – one that his comments this year suggest may well continue over the next few years.

In addition to tariffs on China, Trump is expected to impose a 10% tariff on imports from all countries and has warned that members of the European Union are “going to have to pay a big price” for not buying enough American exports.

In March 2024, reports claimed that companies relying on global supply chains had already begun planning for the potential increase in tariffs should Trump be elected, with some companies exploring opportunities in Mexico as a means of transporting goods from China to the US.

When it comes to manufacturing, Trump’s policies remain focused on reshoring. By encouraging domestic production through lower corporate taxes and expanded incentives, he aims to bring jobs back to US soil and reduce trade deficits. However, some may argue that this protectionist stance, reminiscent of his 2016 term, could strain industries reliant on foreign suppliers and lead to retaliatory tariffs.

Trump has historically prioritised infrastructure projects to boost logistics efficiency, and this focus is expected to continue. His administration may increase spending on key infrastructure improvements, potentially benefitting the logistics and construction sectors, although his firm stance on immigration could be cause for concern in terms of labour availability.

Ultimately, Trump’s policies may well benefit US manufacturing and logistics, but the impact of his proposed tariffs on international supply chains remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Trump’s second term will be an interesting one to follow for individuals and businesses around the world.