Because last time the US government required alliances to participate in the trade war. Maybe it is not rational, but the US is the leader, so most countries just thought, 'Ok, if you really need it...'. But this time, the trade war is against the whole world. Everyone is confused.
> But this time, the trade war is against the whole world.
Reminds me of this excellent Norm Macdonald sketch [1] on Germany of which I've learned only recently.