Trump Enacts "Reciprocal Tariffs" on Global Trade Partners, Sparks International Backlash!!

On April 2, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed two executive orders implementing a sweeping "reciprocal tariffs" policy, targeting nearly all American trade partners. The measures establish a 10% minimum baseline tariff on imports, with higher rates imposed on specific countries based on their trade practices, value-added taxes, and subsidies. The policy, effective immediately, eliminates exemptions and includes previously delayed tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and Venezuela.

Market analysts warn of prolonged uncertainty, with CNBC describing the announcement as a potential "day of reckoning" for global markets. Critics argue the move exacerbates economic instability, while the Trump administration frames it as a strategy to rebalance trade deficits and prioritize U.S. interests. Multiple nations have vowed retaliatory measures, escalating fears of a global trade rift. Further details on tariff structures remain under review, with the White House considering expanded measures, including a universal 20% levy on imports from all countries.