Inside Trump’s Tariffs: China, India, EU Among Hardest Hit in New Trade Blitz

A 10% baseline tariff kicks in April 5, with steeper levies up to 54% targeting major economies; Canada, Mexico, and Russia escape new duties due to pre-existing trade deals or sanctions.

Washington, April 3:
US President Donald Trump has officially pulled the trigger on his much-hyped “Liberation Day” tariffs — a sweeping protectionist move being called a “declaration of economic independence” by the White House. The plan involves imposing a 10% baseline tariff on all imports into the US from April 5, with significantly steeper rates for what the Trump administration has labeled “the worst offenders.”

Also Read: “Ready To Fight”: World Leaders Respond to Trump’s Global Tariff Shock

The aggressive trade move comes just months into Trump’s return to the Oval Office and has rattled global markets, strained diplomatic ties, and reignited fears of a global trade war.

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🔻 Who’s Hit Hardest?

According to the official tariff list revealed during Trump’s Rose Garden speech, these countries face the most punitive measures:

Also Read: “A Little Tough Love”: Trump’s Tariff Talk Sends Shockwaves Through Global Markets

• 🇨🇳 China: 34% new tariff, stacked on an earlier 20% fentanyl-linked levy = 54% total
• 🇮🇳 India: 26%
• 🇰🇷 South Korea: 25%
• 🇯🇵 Japan: 24%
• 🇪🇺 European Union: 20%

Trump stated that the numbers were calculated based on the combined effect of foreign tariffs, non-monetary barriers, and other trade restrictions on US goods. “We’re charging approximately half of what they’ve been charging us,” he declared.

Also Read: Indian Markets Set for Sharp Drop: 10 Key Triggers From Trump Tariffs to Asian Sell-Off

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⚖️ Tariff Timeline

• April 5: 10% baseline tariff begins on most imports.
• April 9: Steeper tariffs for “offenders” kick in.
• April 4 onward: Autos, canned beer, and aluminum cans face new 25% tariffs.
• Pending: Possible future levies on semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals.

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❌ Who’s Excluded?

Notably, several countries and regions have escaped the new wave of tariffs:

• 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇧🇾 Belarus, and 🇰🇵 North Korea — Already under US sanctions, which the White House says precludes any meaningful trade.
• 🇨🇦 Canada and 🇲🇽 Mexico — Trump has not added new tariffs due to ongoing USMCA agreements and existing 25% levies on specific sectors.
• Small Parcel Imports from China — The duty-free loophole is now closed. Items will be charged:
  • $25 per item or 30% of value (starting now)
  • $50 per item from June 1 onward.

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🚘 Auto Industry Hit

The auto sector is bracing for impact. New 25% tariffs on imported cars and parts begin April 4, with analysts warning of price hikes and production slowdowns.

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📦 Tech & Retail Disruptions

Chinese e-retail giants like Shein and Temu could be major casualties, with small parcel imports now taxed—an exemption that allowed thousands of low-value products to enter the US duty-free will be terminated.

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🧾 What’s Next?

With tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and small goods already rolling, the White House hinted at future probes into copper, lumber, and semiconductors — potentially setting the stage for more duties.

Economic analysts warn that the steep tariffs could drive inflation, disrupt supply chains, and trigger retaliation from global trading partners — with the EU, China, and India expected to respond in kind.

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Trump tariffs, US trade policy 2025, global trade war, China US relations, India tariffs, reciprocal tariffs, auto industry, small parcel imports, Shein Temu tax, trade war impact, White House news, April 2025 tariffs