US President Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff on goods from most countries imported into the US, with higher rates for “worst offenders.”

However, BBC Verify investigated these tariffs calculations. A White House published a complex mathematical formula. When Trump studied a giant cardboard chart, it was initially assumed the charges were calculated based on existing trade barriers of individual countries.

The formula, according to the White House, takes the US trade deficit for goods with a particular nation, divides that figure by total goods imports from that nation, and then divides that number by two.

China and the EU faced tariffs of 34 and 20 percent, respectively. There were concerns that these tariffs were not reciprocal, based on what countries already charge the US and non-tariff barriers such as inflated costs.

There is also concern from other economists that it may not reduce the overall deficit. With the decline of manufacturing jobs and an increasing dependence on imports, there may not be an economic advantage, and it will cost the global economy dearly.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93gq72n7y1o