Trump to Announce New Tariffs on “Liberation Day,” Targeting China and Other Nations

This move, foreshadowed by earlier announcements and rising global trade tensions, could redefine America’s engagement in global commerce.

President Donald Trump reportedly plans to introduce major shifts in American trade policy beginning April 2, signaling a key moment in shifting global economic power.

What Tariffs Launch on ‘Liberation Day’?

On April 2, dubbed “Liberation Day” by the administration, Trump is expected to implement broad-based tariff hikes. These will likely affect goods from a targeted group of countries identified as the “Dirty 15” – nations reportedly assessed as having the largest trade imbalances with the US.

Countries like China, Canada, Mexico, and Germany reportedly top this list. The new tariffs could potentially cover a wide range of goods, from electronics to food products.

These measures add to already active tariffs on steel, aluminum, and auto imports imposed earlier in March.

These new tariffs are set to be unveiled in the coming days, potentially as early as this week.

The administration will also reportedly focus on key industrial sectors like pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber. Trump’s trade office has also proposed steep port entry fees specifically on Chinese-built ships, potentially reaching up to $1.5 million per vessel. This aims to curb China’s maritime industry influence and stimulate US shipbuilding.

Earlier this year, President Trump hinted at implementing a universal basic tariff system. Such a system would impose duties of 10% on nearly all imported goods, regardless of their origin.

If enacted, this would mark a dramatic departure from decades of established US free trade policy and could reshape the nation’s role in global commerce.

Foreign governments are already preparing to respond. China has implemented counter-tariffs on some US agricultural products.

The European Union is considering its own retaliatory measures, potentially targeting American goods like whiskey and motorcycles.

Canada has introduced tariffs on certain US steel and tech products, while Mexico plans a comprehensive response soon.

Additionally, the Trump administration recently launched new trade investigations into industries such as copper and lumber. These could result in further tariffs later this year.

These escalating trade actions, aimed at boosting domestic production and reducing trade deficits, could also have broader economic consequences, such as higher inflation and disruptions to global supply chains.

Despite opposition from certain business groups and economic advisors, President Trump remains firm on this protectionist path.

For his administration, April 2nd’s “Liberation Day” apparently represents more than just a policy shift – it’s framed internally as a symbolic reclaiming of American industrial strength. This follows through on campaign promises to "Make America Great Again" with a focus on economic sovereignty.