Taiwanese laptop computers, Italian wine, Indian frozen shrimp, Vietnamese Nike sneakers, and Irish butter.
These things may be found in homes across the United States, demonstrating America’s lasting role as a proponent of free trade and its position as the most profitable market for goods from around the world.
They are now among the many categories of commodities subject to increased levies after President Trump imposed universal tariffs on all US trade partners on Wednesday, as well as additional, higher penalties on 60 countries he deemed the “worst offenders” of unfair trade practices.
In a sharp departure from decades of trade policy, Mr. Trump imposed a 10% base line duty on all goods imported into the US. In addition, other countries will face an even greater “reciprocal tariff” next week.
The White House levied 20% and 34% tariffs on the European Union and China, the two major trading partners of the United States, respectively. The extra penalty on China will be added to a 20 percent tariff previously imposed by Mr. Trump.
Even close allies such as Japan and South Korea were not spared. Countries like Australia and Brazil, which acquire more from America than sell to it, were not included.
In less than three months, President Trump has imposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, as well as import penalties on steel, aluminum, autos, and auto components. The executive order issued on Wednesday included exemptions for semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and lumber. However, analysts believe that these are not reprieves, but rather the next products to be targeted.
China accused America of “unilateral bullying,” and promised to take “firm countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests.” South Korea established an emergency task team and promised to “pour all government resources to overcome a trade crisis.” Brazil’s administration, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, indicated it was considering retaliatory actions.
