As of Thursday, reciprocal tariffs from the United States come into effect, ranging from 10 to 45 percent.
In Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency due to persistent trade deficits. He described them as a threat to US security and the US economy. In response, he imposed additional tariffs as a protectionist measure. However, their implementation was postponed four times.
Reciprocal tariffs from the United States
Trump briefly imposed “reciprocal” tariffs of between 11 and 50 percent on 57 countries or jurisdictions in early April, before suspending them for 90 days. He then extended the deadline from July 8 to August 1.
As that deadline passed, Trump sent letters to more than 20 countries announcing tariffs, in some cases even higher than those set in April, and 32 countries initially affected by the tariffs in that same month did not receive a letter from Trump.
Finally, Trump signed an executive order last week to establish reciprocal tariffs of between 10% and 41% on goods imported into the United States from 69 countries or jurisdictions as of August 7, 2025.
Background and arguments
On April 2, 2025, Trump signed Executive Order 14257. He argued that large and persistent annual trade deficits in goods are an extraordinary threat to the national security and economy of the United States.
According to Trump, the origin of this imbalance lies largely outside the country. Therefore, he declared a national emergency. In response, he imposed additional ad valorem tariffs.
In addition, he claimed to have received new reports and recommendations from senior officials. These warned of a lack of reciprocity in bilateral trade relations.
They also warned of the negative effects of foreign tariffs and non-tariff barriers.
According to the document, these measures directly impact U.S. exports, manufacturing, critical supply chains, and the defense sector. Trump was informed of retaliation against the United States and the status of trade negotiations.
Finally, key foreign policy and national security issues were addressed, including economic alignment efforts among strategic partners.