Trump Launches Reciprocal Tariffs, Slaps Up to 73% on Imports

- April 5, 2025: President Trump's Announcement on Reciprocal Tariffs - 10% Basic Tariff on U.S. Imports [Unblock Media] Former U.S. President Donald Trump officially announced a reciprocal tariff policy on April 5, 2025, signaling a significant shift in the global trade order. This policy involves matching or corresponding tariffs to those imposed on the U.S. by foreign countries, directly opposing the existing free trade system. The core of this policy is imposing a basic 10% tariff on all imports. The U.S. will match this 10% tariff with countries that impose the same level of tariffs on the U.S., but will apply corresponding retaliatory tariffs on countries with excessive tariffs. According to data released by the White House, around 40 countries including the Maldives, Tajikistan, Burundi, Tonga, and Guinea-Bissau currently impose a 10% tariff on the U.S., and the U.S. will reciprocate with the same 10% tariff. However, there are some exceptions. Norfolk Island imposes a 58% tariff on the U.S., so the U.S. will impose a 29% tariff on it. Réunion imposes a 73% tariff on the U.S., and in response, the U.S. imposes a 37% tariff. The tariff table released by the White House includes around 40 underdeveloped countries and small regions, while high-tariff countries like China, the EU, and Japan are classified separately. Aside from the reciprocal measures, former President Trump is also moving to reinforce the existing high-tariff policies. The announced tariffs for key countries are as follows: China 54%, Vietnam 46%, Japan 24%, and the entire EU 20%. Additionally, specific high tariffs will be applied to certain industries. Automobiles will face a 25% tariff starting April 3, automobile parts starting May 3, and steel and aluminum have had a 25% tariff since March 12. Economic experts warn that this extensive tariff implementation may lead to “an increase in consumer prices and a decrease in GDP growth rate.” American consumers are likely to feel price hikes in imported consumer goods such as cars, electronics, and clothing. Some predictions suggest a potential 0.6% reduction in U.S. GDP this year. Major trading partners like Canada, Mexico, the European Union (EU), and China are considering retaliatory tariffs or negotiation suspensions. Former President Trump justified this measure by stating that it aims to “correct the unfair global trade system that has adversely affected the U.S. and to protect American manufacturing and jobs.” However, even some Democrats and a few Republican lawmakers express concerns, suggesting it could “burden the global supply chain and ultimately pass on the burden to American consumers.” Trump's reciprocal tariff policy transcends a mere trade policy, symbolizing a return to protectionism in the U.S., and is being closely watched for its potential real-world impact on the global economy, particularly as it coincides with the U.S. presidential election phase.