April 2 – President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping tariff package on Wednesday, introducing reciprocal tariffs against more than 180 countries. The announcement, made from the White House Rose Garden, marks one of the most significant trade measures in decades. Trump described the tariffs as “kind” but emphasized that they still do not fully match the rates imposed by other countries on U.S. goods.
Key Facts
Trump’s new trade policy is designed to counter what he calls “unfair” tariffs placed on American goods by other nations. Under the new tariff system, countries that impose high tariffs on U.S. exports will now face reciprocal rates when exporting to the United States. Additionally, any country not included in the detailed list will be subjected to a baseline 10% tariff on imports.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that China’s new tariff rate would be 54% due to previous tariffs already in place. Other significant rates include 46% on Vietnamese imports and 36% on goods from Thailand. European Union countries will face a 20% tariff, while the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada remain at 10%.
Complete List of Tariffs Announced by Trump on ‘Liberation Day’
The following is the complete list of reciprocal tariffs announced by the Trump administration. The percentages reflect the new U.S. tariffs on imports from these countries, while the values in parentheses show the tariff rates these nations impose on U.S. goods.
Highest Tariffs Imposed
- China: 34% (charges U.S. 67%)
- Vietnam: 46% (charges U.S. 90%)
- Thailand: 36% (charges U.S. 72%)
- Cambodia: 49% (charges U.S. 97%)
- Bangladesh: 37% (charges U.S. 74%)
- Sri Lanka: 44% (charges U.S. 88%)
- Myanmar (Burma): 44% (charges U.S. 88%)
- Madagascar: 47% (charges U.S. 93%)
- Laos: 48% (charges U.S. 95%)
- Lesotho: 50% (charges U.S. 99%)
Major Trade Partners Affected
- European Union: 20% (charges U.S. 39%)
- Japan: 24% (charges U.S. 46%)
- India: 26% (charges U.S. 52%)
- South Korea: 25% (charges U.S. 50%)
- Switzerland: 31% (charges U.S. 61%)
- Indonesia: 32% (charges U.S. 64%)
- Malaysia: 24% (charges U.S. 47%)
- United Kingdom: 10% (charges U.S. 10%)
- Brazil: 10% (charges U.S. 10%)
- Canada: 10% (charges U.S. 10%)
Additional Countries and Their Tariffs
- Israel: 17% (charges U.S. 33%)
- Philippines: 17% (charges U.S. 34%)
- South Africa: 30% (charges U.S. 60%)
- Pakistan: 29% (charges U.S. 58%)
- Turkey: 10% (charges U.S. 10%)
- Colombia: 10% (charges U.S. 10%)
- Argentina: 10% (charges U.S. 10%)
- Nigeria: 14% (charges U.S. 27%)
- Kazakhstan: 27% (charges U.S. 54%)
- Serbia: 37% (charges U.S. 74%)
- Iraq: 39% (charges U.S. 78%)
- Falkland Islands: 41% (charges U.S. 82%)
- Syria: 41% (charges U.S. 81%)
For any countries not listed, a standard 10% tariff will apply to all imports into the U.S.
What This Means for Global Trade
The announcement of these tariffs represents a major shift in U.S. trade policy. While Trump claims the new rates are intended to create a more balanced playing field for American businesses, some economists and trade experts warn that such tariffs could escalate tensions with key trading partners.
Countries with historically high tariffs on U.S. goods, such as Vietnam, China, and Bangladesh, are facing some of the steepest reciprocal rates. Meanwhile, allies such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom remain at a 10% tariff, reflecting a more moderate approach.
Reactions and Implications
Global markets reacted with mixed results following the announcement. Some industries, particularly those that rely on imported materials, are expected to see rising costs. U.S. manufacturers that depend on foreign supply chains could face challenges, while domestic producers may benefit from reduced competition.
Economists predict that countries hit hardest by the new tariffs may retaliate with countermeasures, potentially leading to trade disputes. The long-term effects on international relations and the global economy remain uncertain.
Conclusion
Trump’s new tariff structure is one of the most extensive in modern U.S. history, covering over 180 nations with varying rates. While the administration argues that these tariffs will protect American jobs and manufacturing, critics worry about the potential for increased consumer prices and strained diplomatic relations.
The world will be watching closely to see how these tariffs play out—and whether they lead to further trade wars or a new era of economic negotiations.