(Update April 2,2025)
On April 2, the United States has officially implemented a 10% reciprocal tariff on exports from more than 180 countries as part of its strategy to rebalance international trade – effective on April 9. However, these tariffs are not uniformly applied, with certain countries facing significantly higher rates.
- Under the new policy, imports from the European Union, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and India will be subject to tariffs ranging from 20% to 26%.
- Some Southeast Asian countries face much steeper tariffs, with Cambodia (49%), Laos (48%), and Vietnam (46%) being the most heavily impacted.
- Additionally, Myanmar and Thailand are significantly affected, with tariffs of 44% and 36%, respectively.
- The highest tariff is imposed on China: The reciprocal tariff on Chinese goods is up to 84%, bringing the total additional tariff to 104%.
According to U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent, speaking to Republican senators, the reciprocal tariff is considered a “ceiling” rate that could be lowered if trading partners meet the Trump administration’s demands. Since the decision was announced on April 2, more than 70 countries have reached out to the White House to initiate negotiations.
U.S.-China Trade Tensions: As both a major economic rival and key trade partner of the U.S., China is the most heavily affected by the new tariffs. Initially, President Trump announced a 34% additional tariff on April 2, raising the total to 54%. However, after China retaliated with an equivalent tariff on U.S. goods, Trump swiftly added another 50%, pushing the total to 104%.
Rising Tensions: China has declared that it will “fight to the end” and refuses to back down under pressure from Washington. How will this escalating trade conflict between the two superpowers unfold?
Stay tuned with Everich for the latest updates!
