Trump Reciprocal Tariffs: U.S. President Donald Trump has doubled down on his campaign promise to impose “reciprocal tariffs” on trading partners, a move that could further escalate global trade tensions. According to AFP, Trump signaled on Wednesday that he could sign an executive order authorizing these tariffs within a day.
Trump Reciprocal Tariffs
Executive Order Expected Before Modi Meeting
As reported by The Hindu, the White House anticipates that Trump will finalize the reciprocal tariffs order before his bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, February 13, 2025. Trump has long advocated for a policy of “an eye for an eye, a tariff for a tariff, same exact amount,” aiming to mirror the duties that other nations impose on American exports.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump hinted that the order could be signed by late Wednesday or early Thursday. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that an official announcement was expected before the high-profile meeting with Modi.
Broad Tariff Measures Already in Motion
Since assuming office on January 20, Trump has wasted no time in reshaping America’s trade policies. On Wednesday, a White House official revealed to AFP that the administration plans to impose a 25 percent tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, adding to existing tariffs on Canada and Mexico.
Earlier in February, Trump had already levied 25 percent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods and 10 percent on Canadian energy imports. However, in a strategic move, he temporarily paused these tariffs for a month after reaching agreements with both nations to curb illegal immigration and fentanyl smuggling. If no further deals are made, these tariffs could double to 50 percent once the pause expires, an anonymous White House official told AFP.
Implications for Global Trade
While the White House continues negotiations with North American partners, Trump has already signed separate orders that enforce a 25 percent duty on steel and aluminum imports, set to take effect on March 12. The move is expected to send ripples through global markets, as major exporters to the U.S., including the European Union and China, weigh their response.
With Trump’s commitment to trade protectionism back in full swing, analysts anticipate heightened tensions with key economic allies. His strategy, however, remains clear: a hardline stance on trade aimed at reducing the U.S. trade deficit and pressuring other nations into fairer deals—at least from Washington’s perspective.
As the world watches, the upcoming meeting with Modi could signal the next chapter in Trump’s evolving trade policy, potentially shaping U.S.-India economic relations for years to come.
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