From allies like Canada and Mexico to rivals like China, US President Donald Trump prepares to impose a fresh round of tariffs targeting nations with trade imbalances. Automobiles, oil, and tech industries may face the brunt.
March 31, 2025: US President Donald Trump is preparing for a major trade shake-up on April 2, dubbing it “Liberation Day,” as he plans to impose sweeping tariffs on key US trade partners. This move signals a renewed, aggressive push in his “America First” trade strategy with wide-ranging implications for global markets.
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🔥 What’s Coming on April 2?
Dubbed a “fresh salvo,” this round of tariffs targets countries with consistent trade surpluses against the US. The list includes China, Canada, Mexico, the EU, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Taiwan, among others — referred to as the “Dirty 15” by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
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Trump is expected to enforce:
- 25% blanket tariff on imported vehicles (from April 3, 12:01 AM ET)
- New tariffs on Venezuelan oil buyers
- Expanded duties on pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber
- Retaliatory levies based on digital taxes and VAT barriers from other nations
📉 Why Now?
While many of these nations have previously negotiated exemptions, Trump claims repeated violations of fair-trade principles—especially tied to immigration, drug smuggling (fentanyl), and subsidized exports—warrant these escalations.
Also Read: Dollar Slips on Growth Jitters Ahead of Trump’s Reciprocal Tariff Announcement
🌍 Global Reactions
- China has hit back with 10–15% tariffs on US agricultural products.
- EU is planning duties on $28 billion worth of US goods, including bourbon and motorcycles.
- Canada retaliated with $42 billion in tariffs on American steel, aluminum, and electronics.
- Mexico is expected to respond in early April.
Trump has also threatened a 200% tariff on European wines and spirits, further heightening tensions.
🛠️ What Else Is Under Review?
- New investigations into Chinese-built ships, proposing $1.5 million port entry fees
- Review of the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA)
- Export control strategies to protect US technological edge
- An update on the “Phase One” US-China trade agreement
📈 What It Means
The global economic impact of Trump’s Liberation Day policies could be massive. With fresh probes, industry-specific duties, and reciprocal levies on the table, sectors like automotive, tech, and shipping are bracing for price hikes and supply chain disruptions.
Analysts are watching closely to see how these measures unfold—and how nations choose to counter.
🏷️ Tags:
Donald Trump, Liberation Day, US tariffs, global trade, US-China trade war, US-Mexico relations, EU tariffs, automotive imports, US economy, Trump trade policy, reciprocal tariffs, America First trade agenda, April 2 tariff announcement, global market impact