Economy

The United States imposed “reciprocal duties”: Trump hits the EU and Ukraine, but not Russia

on April 2, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced the introduction of new “reciprocal tariffs” that would hit imports from around the world, including 20% for the European Union and 10% for Ukraine, calling it a “Day of Liberation” for the American economy. However, in an unexpected twist, Russia, despite its tense relations with Washington, was not included in the list of countries with additional tariffs. This was reported by Komersant ukrainskyi with reference to the BBC.

From the Rose Garden of the White House, Trump unveiled a massive package of import tariffs, which he called “Liberation Day” for the American economy. He promised a base tariff of 10% for all countries and special “goodwill” duties for those he considers the biggest violators of trade relations with the United States.

“Liberation Day” and the revival of industry

“My fellow Americans, this is Liberation Day,” Trump said in his opening speech.

According to him, the new duties will free the United States from dependence on foreign goods and return America to economic greatness.

“April 2, 2025, will be remembered as the day American industry was reborn and the day we started making America great again,” he said.

Trump called the measures “historic,” emphasizing that they combine a base tariff of 10% for all countries and additional rates for certain countries that he believes trade unfairly with the United States.

.@POTUS: “My fellow Americans, this is LIBERATION DAY — April 2, 2025 will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn, the day America’s destiny was reclaimed, and the day that we began to make American wealthy again.” pic.twitter.com/LKLNJPX9GK

– Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 2, 2025

What does Trump’s new customs policy envisage?

A feature of the program was the so-called “reciprocal” duties, which Trump explained as a response to the trade policies of other countries.

“We’re going to charge them about half of what they’ve been charging us, because we’re being very nice,” he said, holding up a table with tariffs.

According to him, this is not full reciprocity, but “good reciprocity” that should encourage fairness in trade.

🚨 @POTUS signs an Executive Order instituting reciprocal tariffs on countries around the world.

It’s LIBERATION DAY in America! pic.twitter.com/p7UnfE617B

– Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 2, 2025

China is at the top of the list with a 34% duty. Trump explained this by saying that Beijing allegedly charges the US 67%, creating a significant imbalance.

Other countries, such as the European Union and Taiwan, will also receive increased tariffs.

New tariffs for European countries

European countries, including the 27 member states of the European Union, feature prominently in Trump’s announcement.

Here are the tariffs for some of the countries listed in Trump’s chart:

• European Union – 20%
• Kosovo – 10%
• Switzerland – 31%
• United Kingdom – 10%
• Norway – 15%
• Ukraine – 10%
• Liechtenstein – 37%
• Serbia – 37%

Trump’s new tariffs on Asian countries

Here is an overview of some of the Asian countries that appeared on Trump’s chart, along with their new US tariff rates:

• China – 34%
• Vietnam – 46%
• Taiwan – 32%
• Japan – 24%
• India – 26%
• South Korea – 25%
• Thailand – 36% of the total
• Malaysia – 24% – 24
• Cambodia – 49%
• Bangladesh – 37%
• Singapore – 10%
• Philippines – 17%
• Pakistan – 29%
• Sri Lanka – 44%
• Myanmar – 44%
• Laos – 48%.

Interestingly, in the comparative table of tariffs released by the administration, there is no mention of Russia at all.

What does this mean for the US and the world?

The base tariff of 10% will affect all imported goods, from electronics to clothing, which could affect prices for American consumers. Additional duties aimed at China and other “offenders” should protect American producers, but experts fear the opposite effect – higher prices for goods and a possible trade war.

“This is a step toward economic independence,” Trump claims, but critics believe that such measures could make it harder to access imported goods and provoke retaliatory tariffs from other countries.

Why is it important?

The new tariffs are another attempt by Trump to fulfill the promises of his “America First” policy. He is convinced that reducing imports will revive domestic production and bring back jobs.

But will this plan work? Economists warn of the risk of rising inflation and tensions with key trading partners such as China and the EU.