After returning to the presidency, US President Donald Trump has launched numerous tariff threats, ranging from the broadest (a universal tariff on the imported goods from abroad) to those aimed at sectors, regions or specific countries, in an attempt to achieve that other countries meet their political demands.
However, Trump’s threats have changed over time and range from small levies to others that exceed 200%, which leaves other countries and companies without knowing what will happen.
Reuters offers a commerce -related republican threats.
Wide tariff threats
A cornerstone of Trump’s vision includes a gradual implementation of universal tariffs on all American imports.
Its recently confirmed Treasury Secretary, Scott Besent, has been pressing for a modest tariff rate of 2.5% that would increase each month, according to a Financial Times report.
However, Trump has suggested that tariffs could be even higher.
While the tariffs were ever the pillar of the US tax revenues, in recent decades they have been reduced to a fraction of the tax revenue of that country.
Economists say that Trump’s policies will be inflationary, since importing companies, which pay tariffs, transfer additional costs to consumers.
Global business partners could impose counter -regional tariffs that affect US exports, such as agricultural products, energy and machinery, which could lead to a commercial war that would generate uncertainty for companies and investors.
Lee: EU maintains on February 1 as the date for entry into force of tariffs to Mexico; Highlights ‘Historical levels of cooperation’
Trump’s tariff proposals point to several key commercial partners.
Mexico and Canada
Both countries were the main commercial partners of the United States in 2024, according to data to November, and Mexico took first place.
The White House confirmed Tuesday that Trump maintains his idea of imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada on February 1. The president argues that they could be necessary as retaliation for migration and fentanyl traffic.
Trump did not impose tariffs immediately, as he had promised during his electoral campaign.
Canada mainly exports crude oil and other energy goods, in addition to cars and car parts, as part of the North America car manufacturing chain.
Mexico exports various goods to the United States in the industrial and automotive sectors.
China
Trump described the conversation he had with President Xi Jinping as “friendly” but has continued threatening tariffs against China.
During Trump’s first mandate, the two countries fought a long commercial war that harmed both economies.
Europa
Trump said the European Union and continent countries have worrying commercial surpluses with the United States.
He declared that the products of these countries will be subject to tariffs or require that they buy more oil and gas from the United States, despite the fact that the gas export capacity of that country is close to their limits.
Russia
Trump has threatened to hit Russia “and other participating countries” with taxes, tariffs and sanctions if an agreement is not reached soon to end the war in Ukraine.
Lee: Canada will seek alliance with Mexico and other countries against Trump and its tariffs
India/BRICS
During his campaign, Trump described India as “great abuse” of trade and promised to use tariffs to correct commercial imbalances.
He also threatened the broader group of BRICS countries with tariffs if they did not accept their requirement to commit not to create a new currency.
Colombia
Trump immediately said that 25% tariffs would impose to Colombian products after the country refused to receive flights that transported migrants to be deported from the United States; The two parties reached an agreement.
LEE: EU ensures that Colombia accepts ‘all Trump terms’ for repatriations
Threats to imported chips
Trump has said that he wants to impose tariffs on imported computer chips, pointing to Taiwan, where Taiwan semiconductor manufacturing, the largest chip manufacturer by world contract, manufactures semiconductors for NVIDIA, Apple and other US clients.
TSMC generated 70% of its income in 2024 from headquarters in North America.
Pharmaceutical products
Trump has suggested the imposition of tariffs on pharmaceutical supplies, including medications, which would be a change.
In recent decades, pharmaceutical products have generally been exempt from tariffs.
Trump also said that aluminum and copper tariffs (metals needed to produce American weapons), as well as steel, to incite producers to manufacture them in the United States.
That could increase costs for car manufacturers and other manufacturers that use these raw materials.
The United States imports 38% of its copper needs and depends largely on aluminum imports.
Lee: Trump threatens to put tariffs on chips, steel and medications
Autos
Trump considers applying 25% tariffs to imports from Canada and Mexico from February 1, and has dropped the idea of applying strong tariffs, 100% or more, to other vehicles, including potentially electric.
The automotive industry represented imports for more than 202 billion dollars from Canada and Mexico together in 2024.
With Reuters information
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