Trump’s new tariffs, unveiled on Wednesday, represent the most significant ascent in US tariffs in nearly a century, along with prior actions since his return to office on January 20.
Other nations have threatened to retaliate, increasing the chances of a global trade conflict characterized by reciprocal tariffs.
Key points from the latest round of US tariff announcements:
Trump’s Comprehensive New Reciprocal Tariff Plan
Trump effectively dismantles the over 75-year-old global trading framework, which was predicated on the notion that promoting free trade would be beneficial to all countries.
The Trump administration implemented a fresh 10 percent baseline tariff on imports from all countries, including those with lower tariffs on US goods. In addition, for countries found to actively impede US goods, even more severe, retaliatory tariffs apply.
“We will charge them roughly half of what they charge us,” Trump declared Wednesday. “We didn’t want to do that because it would be tough on a lot of countries.”
Instead of matching the European Union’s 39 percent tariff, for instance, the US will impose a 20 percent levy. For China, the new tariff will bring the total to 54 percent, on top of an existing 20 percent tariff.
The administration insists, using its calculations, that other countries levy significantly higher tariffs against the US.
According to the WTO, the average US tariff, weighted by the goods actually traded, stands at 2.2 percent. In comparison, the EU averages at 2.7 percent, China at 3 percent, and India at a higher 12 percent.
English
April 2, 2025
10 percent Tariff
Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to announce a 10 percent tariff on imports from all countries, set to take effect April 5.
The countries subject to only a 10 percent tariff include the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, Brazil, New Zealand, and several others.
Custom Tariffs for ‘Worst Offenders’
About 60 countries will be subject to personalized tariffs, which the administration contends will be about half of the tariffs and other commercial barriers those countries impose on the US.
Concerned major trading partners include China, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and many others with varied tariff assessments.
The new tariffs will come into effect on April 9. Reciprocal tariffs won’t apply to certain items like copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and others as per a White House fact sheet.
A 25 percent tariff will also be slapped on all foreign-made automobiles.
Countries and Companies Commit to Retaliation
Several countries have signaled their intent to retaliate against Trump’s tariffs, with China and the European Union stating they will enact countermeasures to protect their interests.
Japan will consider various responses to these “extremely regrettable” actions.
Volkswagen will levy an import fee on vehicles affected by the 25 percent tariff, signaling shifts in their logistics.
US Industry Prepares for Impact
The announcement has left US business groups assessing the implications for their operations, with concerns over operational margins and potential threats to their competitiveness and supply chains.
Some embrace the decision, viewing it as a means of protecting American workers and industry.
