BREAKING: Trump’s Sweeping Tariff Plan Leaves Countries Rattled

President Donald Trump announced a sweeping set of reciprocal tariffs on Thursday, a move that has already sent tremors through international markets. The bold economic maneuver marks one of the most aggressive trade policies of his presidency, fulfilling a long-standing promise to crack down on “unfair” trade practices against the United States.

Taking to Truth Social, Trump signaled the rollout in typical fashion, posting just before dawn: “THREE GREAT WEEKS, PERHAPS THE BEST EVER, BUT TODAY IS THE BIG ONE: RECIPROCAL TARIFFS!!! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!”

Reciprocal tariffs mean that if a country charges a certain tariff rate on American products, the U.S. will impose the same rate on imports from that country. The goal is to create a level playing field in international trade and generate additional revenue for the U.S. government.

Just hours later, he followed up with another post announcing a press conference set for 1:00 p.m. at the Oval Office, where he is expected to outline the specifics of the plan.

“NEWS CONFERENCE ON RECIPROCAL TARIFFS TODAY, 1:00 P.M., THE OVAL OFFICE. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!” Trump wrote.

Historically, reciprocal tariffs have been a key component of trade agreements and disputes. They can be used as leverage in negotiations or as a form of retaliation in trade wars. For example, during the first Trump administration, the U.S. imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, and China responded with its own tariffs on American imports.

Trump’s press conference shed light on the specific industries impacted, enforcement mechanisms, and potential exemptions. The White House has hinted that countries willing to negotiate fairer trade terms may receive waivers.

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On Sunday, Trump explained, “Very simply, it’s if they charge us, we charge them.”

In addition to reciprocal tariffs, the administration has reinstated a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, citing national security concerns and the need to protect American industries. These tariffs are set to take effect on March 12, 2025, and will apply to all countries exporting these metals to the U.S.

“The president is firmly committed to this,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday. “This is something he believes strongly in, and it’s very simple logic as to why the president wants to impose reciprocal tariffs.” She continued, saying other nations have been “ripping off” the US, “and that’s why the president believes this will be a great policy that will benefit American workers and improve our national security.”

Tariffs have played a significant role in U.S. economic policy since the country’s founding. They have been used as a tool for revenue, protectionism, and geopolitical strategy, shaping the nation’s industries and international relationships.

One of the first major laws passed by Congress, the Tariff Act of 1789, established duties on imports to generate revenue for the federal government, which lacked an income tax at the time. During the Civil War, tariffs were raised to finance the Union war effort, and protectionist policies dominated for the next several decades.

The Biden administration had largely maintained many of Trump’s tariffs while negotiating trade agreements with U.S. allies. With Trump doubling down on an ‘America First’ trade agenda, the world is watching closely—and so are American consumers, who could soon feel the effects at home.