Washington, August 2: U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order imposing significantly higher tariffs on 69 trading partners, the White House said on Thursday, in a major escalation of his administration’s push to reshape global trade rules in favor of American businesses.
The new tariff rates, ranging from 10% to as high as 50%, will take effect in seven days, according to the order. The move comes ahead of a Friday trade deal deadline, with officials suggesting more agreements are expected in the coming days.
Under the order, the U.S. will impose:
- A 50% tariff on imports from Brazil
- 41% on Syrian goods
- 39% on Swiss products
- 35% on certain Canadian imports
- 25% on Indian goods
- 20% on Taiwanese exports
By contrast, tariffs on imports from Pakistan have been reduced from 29% to 19%. All countries not specifically listed will face a flat 10% tariff rate.
“This is about restoring balance and defending our economic and national security interests,” a senior administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Some partners have not aligned sufficiently with our priorities despite ongoing negotiations.”
Canada and Mexico
While goods from Canada and Mexico continue to enjoy exemptions under the North American trade pact, the White House issued a separate directive raising fentanyl-related tariffs on Canadian products from 25% to 35%, citing Canada’s “failure to cooperate” in curbing fentanyl trafficking.
Mexico, by contrast, received a 90-day reprieve from a planned 30% tariff on most non-automotive and non-metal goods. Trump said the decision followed a call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Thursday.
Tariffs on Mexican steel, aluminium, and copper will remain at 50%, and auto tariffs at 25%. Mexico also agreed to dismantle several non-tariff barriers, though details were not provided.
India and South Korea
India faces a 25% tariff as trade talks with Washington stalled over access to its agriculture sector and continued imports of Russian oil. The move triggered political backlash in New Delhi and a slide in the Indian rupee.
South Korea agreed to a reduced 15% tariff on its exports, including autos, avoiding a previously threatened 25%. Seoul also pledged to invest $350 billion in U.S. infrastructure and technology projects selected by the Trump administration.
China on Watch
The U.S.-China trade relationship remains unresolved. Beijing has until August 12 to reach a final agreement with Washington to avoid further escalation, following preliminary deals reached in May and June aimed at ending tit-for-tat tariffs and supply disruptions.
Trump’s tariff order marks one of his most aggressive trade moves yet, underscoring his broader strategy to use economic leverage to compel concessions on trade, security, and geopolitical alignment.
