US President Donald Trump: Reciprocal Tariffs Will Target All Countries

On March 30, US President Donald Trump announced that the reciprocal tariffs expected to be unveiled this week would apply to all countries, not just a small group of 10 to 15 nations with the largest trade deficits with the US. This statement marks a shift in his approach to import tariffs, as just a few days earlier, he had left open the possibility of narrowing the plan's scope.

Thu Phuong (By Reuters)

April 01, 2025 | 13:54

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Previously, White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett had told Fox Business that the administration’s focus would be on the 10 to 15 countries with the most severe trade deficits. However, President Trump has now clarified that the tariffs will not be limited to this group.

US President Donald Trump. (Photo: Reuters)

President Trump has pledged to unveil a major tariff plan on April 2, viewing tariffs as a means to protect the domestic economy from unfair global competition. He also sees tariffs as a tool to gain leverage in negotiations to secure better terms for the US.

In February 2025, President Trump directed US trade officials to develop a comprehensive plan to address trade deficits. This plan primarily involves increasing tariffs in response to taxes, fees, regulatory measures, and subsidies that Washington views as unfair.

The concept of reciprocal tariffs is not new to President Trump. A report in The Wall Street Journal cited sources familiar with the matter, revealing that Peter Navarro, Trump’s assistant and senior advisor on trade and manufacturing, has been a leading advocate of the tariff policy.

During Trump’s previous term in office, Navarro supported the idea and encouraged lawmakers to back a reciprocal tariff bill initiated by Sean Duffy, who is now serving as the Secretary of Transportation in Trump’s second administration and was instrumental in promoting this legislation.

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Thu Phuong (By Reuters)