Press "Enter" to skip to content

U.S. Adjusts Import Tariffs to Reduce Trade Deficit and Boost Revenue

The White House on Thursday announced a new set of reciprocal tariff rates on imports from dozens of countries. These updated tariffs aim to narrow the U.S. trade deficit and increase government revenue by adjusting how much importers must pay when bringing goods into the country.

Effective Date: The revised duties will officially take effect seven days from now, at 12:01 a.m. Washington time.

Key Points

  • A minimum tariff of 10% applies to countries not listed in the table below.
  • Products found to be transshipped to avoid higher tariffs will face additional levies.
  • China, Canada, and Mexico are under different trade orders and not included in this list.

Special Rule for the European Union

  • If a product’s existing U.S. duty is above 15%, the new tariff will be 0%.
  • If the current duty is below 15%, the new tariff is (15% – current duty).

Country-Wise Adjusted Tariff Rates

Country / TerritoryNew Tariff Rate
Afghanistan15%
Algeria30%
Angola15%
Bangladesh20%
Bolivia15%
Bosnia and Herzegovina30%
Botswana15%
Brazil10%
Brunei25%
Cambodia19%
Cameroon15%
Chad15%
Costa Rica15%
Côte d‘Ivoire15%
Democratic Republic of the Congo15%
Ecuador15%
Equatorial Guinea15%
European UnionVaries (See above)
Falkland Islands10%
Fiji15%
Ghana15%
Guyana15%
Iceland15%
India25%
Indonesia19%
Iraq35%
Israel15%
Japan15%
Jordan15%
Kazakhstan25%
Laos40%
Lesotho15%
Libya30%
Liechtenstein15%
Madagascar15%
Malawi15%
Malaysia19%
Mauritius15%
Moldova25%
Mozambique15%
Myanmar (Burma)40%
Namibia15%
Nauru15%
New Zealand15%
Nicaragua18%
Nigeria15%
North Macedonia15%
Norway15%
Pakistan19%
Papua New Guinea15%
Philippines19%
Serbia35%
South Africa30%
South Korea15%
Sri Lanka20%
Switzerland39%
Syria41%
Taiwan20%
Thailand19%
Trinidad and Tobago15%
Tunisia25%
Turkey15%
Uganda15%
United Kingdom10%
Vanuatu15%
Venezuela15%
Vietnam20%
Zambia15%
Zimbabwe15%

Impact and Outlook

These changes signal a more aggressive approach by the U.S. to balance trade relationships, especially with countries that benefit from high exports to the U.S. without offering equivalent access or tariffs. Importers may face higher costs, especially when sourcing from high-tariff countries like Laos, Myanmar, Syria, and Switzerland.

The move may encourage American companies to reconsider their global sourcing strategies, shift toward local production, or renegotiate supply deals. Countries affected by the tariff hike might also respond with their own trade policy changes.

April’s Tariff Hike Now Called “Liberation Day”

Back in April, Trump announced steep new tariffs in what his team called “Liberation Day.” The move shook global markets and raised fears of a potential slowdown in the world economy. While some of those tariffs were delayed, August 1 was set as the next major deadline. Some countries were informed about the specific tariffs they’d face, but many were left in the dark.

Inflation Risks Now More Visible

Unlike earlier rounds of tariffs, which didn’t have a big impact on inflation, this latest batch may be different. Companies like Walmart and Procter & Gamble are already raising prices, blaming the new tariffs. There’s growing concern that consumers may now start to feel the pinch.

U.S.–China Deal Talks Reach Final Stage

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that talks with China are almost complete, with just one issue still on the table — whether Trump will push back the August 12 deadline for further tariff hikes. No decision has been made yet, as both sides try to work out a last-minute agreement.

India Could Be Next for a Trade Deal

A U.S. official hinted that India might be the next country to reach a deal with Washington. While talks have been slow due to India’s hesitation in opening up certain markets, there’s still hope for progress soon.

Tougher Action Against Tariff Evasion

The White House is also cracking down on a tactic known as transshipment — when goods are routed through third countries to dodge higher tariffs. A new 40% penalty has been introduced for such practices. On top of that, new rules will soon clarify which goods fall under this category, and the fines will be added to any existing duties.

Be First to Comment

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *