In the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump imposing a 10% levy against China and pressing a 30-day pause on proposed tariffs to Canada and Mexico, Martin Danahay is reflecting on the dangerous historical outcomes of past trade wars.

The world's two biggest economies are on the brink of an economically destructive trade war. Here's what experts think could happen next.

The first punches have been thrown between the United States and China in what could amount to a short-lived trade dispute with limited economic fallout or the start of yet another lengthy and painful trade war reminiscent of President Donald Trump’s first term.