Dubbing April 2 “Liberation Day,” Trump painted the new tariffs as an end to trade imbalances between other countries and the United States.
“It’s our declaration of economic independence,” Trump said during a midafternoon event in the Rose Garden.
LIBERATION DAY: TRUMP UNVEILS RECIPROCAL TARIFFS AGAINST ALLIES AND ADVERSARIES ALIKE
The baseline 10% tariff rate imposed on all listed countries will go into effect on April 5 and the higher reciprocal rates will be enacted on April 9. Senior administration officials explained that the delay will allow countries to engage in negotiations with the United States.
Here are the most notable countries that the Trump administration targeted with its tariffs.
Asia
China
The Trump administration slapped a 34% tariff on China in response to the 67% rate that China has on U.S. imports. This new tariff follows a 20% tariff Trump had already placed on China, thus bringing the total tariff rate to 54%.
In 2024, the U.S. recorded its largest trade deficit among all countries with China at $295.4 billion.
China’s top exports to the U.S. in 2023 were smartphones, portable computers, toys, video game consoles, and lithium-ion batteries. They made up 27% of U.S. goods imports from China that year.
Japan
The Trump administration slapped a 24% tariff on Japan, which follows a 25% tariff placed on all imported automobiles. Japan’s biggest export to the United States is vehicles, and the additional tariffs could place a major economic strain on one of the U.S.’s biggest allies.
In 2023, Japan exported 40.9 billion worth of vehicles to the U.S., representing 28% of its exports to the U.S.
Japan has a 46% tariff charge in place for the U.S., according to the White House.
South Korea
South Korea, another pivotal ally of the U.S., faces a 25% reciprocal tariff rate by the U.S.
South Korea relies on trade for a significantly high percentage of its gross domestic product, with its biggest exports being integrated circuits, refined petroleum, cars, and industrial products such as steel, iron, and polymers. Its second-biggest trading partner is the U.S., having exported $115.7 billion in goods in 2024.
The White House calculated its tariff by calculating that South Korea has a 50% tariff rate on the U.S.
India
India, which possesses a trade surplus with the U.S. at $37 billion, faces a 26% tariff from the United States.
India has a 52% tariff rate on the U.S., according to the White House. However, Reuters reported late last month that India may offer to the U.S. $23 billion in tariff cuts.
Other Asian countries targeted by Trump’s Wednesday announcement include Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 2, 2025
Middle East
Israel
Israel, a close ally of the U.S. and the largest recipient of U.S. aid, is slapped with a 17% tariff. The Jewish state has in place a 33% tariff rate on U.S. imports, the White House found.
Its biggest exports to the U.S. are cut diamonds, integrated circuits, and pharmaceuticals.
The U.S. possessed a $7.4 billion trade deficit with Israel in 2024.
Saudi Arabia
The White House implemented a 10% reciprocal tariff rate on Saudi Arabia, which has in place a 10% tariff on all U.S. imports.
The U.S.’s trade surplus with Saudi Arabia was $443.3 million in 2024.
Egypt
Egypt faces a 10% reciprocal tariff from the U.S., which has in place a 10% tariff for United States imports.
The U.S.’s trade surplus with Egypt was $3.5 billion in 2024.
Other Middle Eastern countries targeted by Trump’s Wednesday announcement included Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.
South America
Brazil
The U.S. placed a 10% tariff on Brazil’s exports in response to Brazil’s 10% tariff on the U.S.
Brazil is gearing up to become an alternative source of exports for the U.S. as Asian countries such as China and Bangladesh face steeper tariff rates. Outside of Asia, Brazil is the largest exporter of footwear and may see a boost in goods exported to the U.S.
Argentina
The Trump administration placed a 10% tariff on Argentina, the same as what the White House found it has on the U.S. The country’s biggest exports are agricultural products including soybeans, corn, and wheat.
Trump possesses a friendly relationship with Argentina President Javier Milei, who attended Trump’s inauguration.
Other South American countries targeted by Trump’s Wednesday announcement include Ecuador and Peru.
Rest of the World
European Union
The Trump administration slapped the European Union with a 20% tariff.
The EU has been frustrated by Trump’s economic warnings, which he has threatened for over a month.
EU leadership is reportedly discussing targeting tech firms in response to Trump’s tariffs, with the potential to go so far as to use a policy tool called the anti-coercion instrument, where they could block online streaming services and software licensing. Leaders in Brussels are also considering targeting American banks in a way to retaliate to Washington’s new measures.
Australia
Australia faces a 10% rate, and the country has ruled out retaliation.
The U.S. and Australia have had a warm economic relationship in recent years.
SENATE DELIVERS TRUMP ‘LIBERATION DAY’ REBUKE OVER EMERGENCY TARIFFS ON CANADA
South Africa
South Africa now faces a 30% tariff from the U.S.
Mexico and Canada were not included in Wednesday’s tariffs as they have already come to agreements. Goods and products under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement trade agreement are mostly exempt from tariffs.
