Trump confounded pollsters and critics alike to win the presidency after one of the most divisive election campaigns of recent years.
Attention is now focusing on what the Trump presidency may mean for world trade and economic growth.
Free trade agreements
The Republican president elect has pledged to tear up free trade agreements and revert to protectionist economic policies, in a move some fear may threaten economic growth. Trump is on record as promising to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico.
He has also said he intends to end US support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP): a trade agreement among 12 Pacific Rim countries— excluding China. The initiative aims to boost economic growth by cutting tariffs to promote trade. The deal was signed on February 4 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand, after seven years of talks.
Ending free trade agreements and reverting to economic protectionist will endanger both US and world economic growth, some analysts have warned.
Trump supporters have argued an America-first economic policy will generate domestic jobs and revitalise the troubled US economy.
Climate change programmes
Trump winning the White House will disappoint many environmentalists. He has pledged to cancel billions of dollars earmarked to fund meeting US commitments under United Nations climate change programmes. He also promised to lift restrictions on fracking and raise output from American oil and natural gas production.
Some Trump campaign posters featured the legend: “Trump digs coal.”
On immigration, Trump previously proposed to remove all undocumented immigrants from the US – in a move some fear may cripple the US labour market. Towards the end of the election campaign, Trump promised to deport illegal immigrants with criminal records.
Mexico pay for a wall
He also proposed to make Mexico pay for a wall along the country’s northern border with the US to stop illegal migration.
Meanwhile, in a conciliatory victory speech delivered this morning, Trump said: “Now is the time to bind the wounds of division and come together.”
“Seeking to allay international concerns about his victory, Trump said: “We will always put America first but we will deal fairly with everyone – all people and all nations. We will seek common ground not hostility. We will seek partnership.”
A range of UK food and drink manufacturers will be pondering the business implications of Trump's victory. UK manufacturers with extensive business interests in the US include: large-scale firms – such as Greencore, Bakkavor, Diaego and Britvic – together with smaller scale firms such as Food Manufacture Excellence Award overall winner Mash Direct and snacks company Graze.
So, what will Trump's win mean for US and global economic growth? Share your views with more than 108,000 independently-audited, unique monthly visitors to FoodManufacture.co.uk by taking part in our survey.
Meanwhile, below is the President elect's first tweet, posted after his victory speech.
