The United States President, Donald Trump, has announced that the country will henceforth begin charging reciprocal tariffs on countries based on the rates they impose on American goods.
The Republican leader made this known in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday.
“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!” Trump stated.
He explained that the policy would also take into account value-added tax (VAT) systems, which he described as “far more punitive than a Tariff,” as well as subsidies and nonmonetary trade barriers that restrict American businesses.
Trump warned that attempts to bypass U.S. tariffs by routing goods through third countries would not be accepted.
“For many years, the U.S. has been treated unfairly by other Countries, both friend and foe,” he said, adding that the new system would “immediately bring Fairness and Prosperity back into the previously complex and unfair System of Trade.”
Trump emphasised that no tariffs would apply to products manufactured within the United States. He also instructed top officials, including the Secretaries of State, Commerce, and Treasury, as well as the U.S. Trade Representative, to implement the new policy.
“It is now time that these Countries remember this, and treat us fairly – A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR AMERICAN WORKERS,” he declared.
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