Washington (TDI): US President Donald Trump has announced a fresh wave of heavy trade levies, targeting dozens of countries, including Pakistan with 19% reciprocal tariff, ahead of a Friday trade deal deadline.
The announcement is part of Trump’s ongoing push to address what he calls “unfair trade practices” that have harmed the American economy and compromised national security. A total of 69 nations have been listed, with tariffs ranging from 10% to as high as 41%, scheduled to go into effect next week.
According to a presidential order signed late Thursday night, these tariffs apply to countries that either failed to reach new trade terms with the US or offered proposals Trump deemed inadequate. The order specifies that all countries not mentioned in the annex will be subject to a blanket 10% tariff.
“Some of our trading partners, despite engaging in talks, have not addressed the core imbalances in our trade relationships,” the order reads. It further accuses certain countries of failing to align with the US on key economic and security issues.
Read More: Trump’s 30% Tariffs Hit EU and Mexico, Escalating Trade War
Canada, the United States’ second-largest trading partner, was hit particularly hard. Tariffs on certain Canadian goods, specifically those linked to fentanyl-related concerns, were raised to 35%, up from 25%. Trump’s administration cited a lack of cooperation from Canadian authorities in tackling fentanyl trafficking.
Mexico, on the other hand, managed to secure a 90-day exemption from a proposed 30% tariff, following a last-minute phone call between Trump and Mexico’s newly elected President Claudia Sheinbaum. Sheinbaum confirmed the extension in a social media post, calling the conversation “very good.” However, Mexican metals and auto exports remain subject to existing levies of 50% and 25%, respectively.
Meanwhile, the US has struck a deal with South Korea, which agreed to a 15% tariff on its exports, including cars, in exchange for a promise to invest $350 billion in US infrastructure projects.
Read More: Trump Imposes 35% Tariff on Canada
Talks with India have proven more difficult. Trump signaled a 25% tariff on Indian goods is likely after both sides failed to resolve disagreements over agricultural market access. Trump also hinted at penalties tied to India’s ongoing oil trade with Russia.
While the full impact of these new tariffs remains to be seen, early signs suggest they are already contributing to rising prices for consumer goods in the US.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
