US President vows to match tariffs imposed by other countries, aims for a ‘level playing field’ in global trade
Washington DC [US], February 18: US President Donald Trump has announced a new trade policy centered on reciprocal tariffs, stating that the United States will impose the same tariffs on foreign goods as other countries impose on American products.
Trump emphasized that this policy would eliminate unfair trade practices, including non-monetary trade barriers, subsidies, and VAT systems. He further stated that the move would push foreign nations to either lower or remove tariffs against the US.
Trump’s Announcement on Reciprocal Tariffs
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Trump declared:
“On trade, I have decided, for purposes of fairness, that I will charge a reciprocal tariff, meaning, whatever countries charge the United States of America, we will charge them – No more, no less!”
Expanding on his policy, Trump explained that the US would also consider Value Added Tax (VAT) systems as tariffs, given their punitive impact on American exports. He stated that any attempt to bypass tariffs by rerouting products through third countries would not be tolerated.
“For purposes of this United States Policy, we will consider countries that use the VAT System, which is far more punitive than a tariff, to be similar to that of a tariff. Sending merchandise, product, or anything by any other name through another country, for purposes of unfairly harming America, will not be accepted,” he posted.
Targeting Non-Monetary Barriers and Subsidies
Trump further detailed that the new trade policy would account for subsidies and non-monetary trade barriers imposed by foreign governments.
“Likewise, provisions will be made for Nonmonetary Tariffs and Trade Barriers that some countries charge in order to keep our products out of their domain or if they do not even let US businesses operate,” he said.
Trump clarified that any country concerned about high reciprocal tariffs could simply reduce or eliminate their tariffs on US goods.
“There are no tariffs if you manufacture or build your product in the United States,” he added.
Ensuring Fair Trade for American Workers
Trump criticized how the US has been treated unfairly in trade over the years and insisted that the reciprocal tariff system will restore fairness and economic prosperity.
“For many years, the US has been treated unfairly by other countries, both friend and foe. This system will immediately bring fairness and prosperity back into the previously complex and unfair System of Trade,” he said.
The President has instructed his Secretary of State, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of the Treasury, and the US Trade Representative (USTR) to implement this reciprocal tariff system effectively.
The new policy marks a significant shift in US trade strategy, as Trump aims to level the playing field for American businesses and workers.