Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced Thursday a comprehensive set of new tariffs targeting nearly 70 countries, with rates ranging from approximately 10% to 40%. The announcement came just one day before the expiration of the administration’s pause on worldwide “reciprocal” tariffs, signaling a significant shift in U.S. trade policy.
In an executive order issued Thursday, President Trump declared that the new tariffs will take effect for most imported goods starting at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on August 7. Goods loaded onto shipping vessels before this time and arriving in the United States before October 5 will be exempt from the new tariffs.
Accompanying the executive order, the White House released a fact sheet describing the action as a decisive move to reset “decades of failed trade policy” and restore fairness in international trade relationships.
Countries facing the highest tariff rates include Syria, assigned a 41% tariff, and Laos and Myanmar, each subjected to 40%. South Africa, Libya, Bosnia, and Algeria will face tariffs of 30%, while Brazil, the Falkland Islands, and the United Kingdom will be subject to the lowest tariff rate on the list at 10%.
President Trump emphasized that some countries on the tariff list are either in the process of reaching or have already agreed to meaningful trade and security agreements with the United States. These nations will be required to pay the outlined tariffs until formal deals are finalized and corresponding orders are issued.
“Goods of any foreign trading partner that is not listed in … this order will be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 10%,” the President stated.
The executive order was issued amidst judicial scrutiny, as several Federal Circuit judges expressed concerns regarding the constitutional and congressional authority of the President’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs. Judge Timothy B. Dyk voiced apprehension about the administration’s apparent disregard for the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and specific tariff laws.
Additionally, President Trump announced an agreement with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to extend existing tariffs on Mexico for 90 days. Mexico will continue to face a 25% fentanyl tariff, a 25% tariff on cars, and a 50% tariff on steel, aluminum, and copper.
Other recent agreements include a 15% tariff on South Korean imports and ongoing trade deals with Indonesia, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
This latest move follows an initial reciprocal tariff executive order issued on April 2, accompanied by a national emergency declaration. After a 90-day pause, initially set for July 9 and later extended to August 1, the White House is now resuming the imposition of tariffs, citing persistent trade imbalances and national security concerns.
President Trump cited new information and recommendations from senior officials highlighting the ongoing lack of reciprocity in bilateral trade relationships and the adverse impact of foreign tariff rates and non-tariff barriers on U.S. exports, domestic manufacturing, critical supply chains, and the defense industrial base.
While some countries have agreed or are close to agreeing to fair trade deals, others have offered inadequate terms or failed to engage in meaningful negotiations. The administration remains firm on aligning trade practices with U.S. economic and national security interests.
