In a bold move to tilt global trade in favour of American businesses, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order that significantly raises tariffs on imports from dozens of trading partners. The new import duties, ranging from 10% to 50%, are set to take effect in seven days, targeting 69 countries.
According to the order, the steepest tariffs include a 50% duty on Brazilian goods, 41% on Syrian imports, 39% on Swiss products, and 35% on various Canadian goods. Indian goods will now face a 25% tariff, while Taiwan will see a 20% duty. In contrast, Pakistan received a reprieve, with tariffs reduced from 29% to 19%.
The executive order also outlines differentiated tariff levels for countries with which the U.S. has struck specific trade agreements, such as the European Union and Japan. Goods from nations not listed in the order’s annex will be subject to a flat 10% tariff.
Explaining the rationale behind the move, President Trump stated that some trading partners have failed to present “sufficiently fair terms” during negotiations or have not aligned with U.S. economic and national-security interests. The decision marks the latest escalation in Trump’s ongoing effort to overhaul international trade in favour of what he describes as “American fairness and strength.”
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)