Trump Escalates Trade Tensions with New ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs

Former President Donald Trump announced a new set of tariffs on April 2, 2025, termed 'Liberation Day Tariffs,' escalating global trade tensions. These tariffs, targeting major U.S. trading partners, aim to enforce a 'reciprocal' trade policy, where the U.S. applies tariffs equivalent to those imposed by other nations on American goods. This move has sparked significant debate and concern over potential global economic repercussions.

The announcement was made on what Trump dubbed 'Liberation Day,' a symbolic gesture aimed at freeing the U.S. economy from what he describes as unfair trade practices. Analysts and economists are divided on the impact of these tariffs, with some warning of a possible global recession due to retaliatory measures from affected countries.

The proposed tariffs have been met with criticism from both domestic and international fronts. Critics argue that these measures could harm U.S. businesses and consumers by increasing the cost of imported goods, while supporters believe they will protect American industries from unfair competition.

• Donald Trump
• Global Recession
• Liberation Day
• Reciprocal Tariffs

Detailed

Trump to escalate global trade tensions with new reciprocal tariffs on US trading partners

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Trump tariffs: Three big unknowns ahead of president's 'Liberation Day' announcement

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- bbc

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Related issues news

What is Trump?

Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who is the 47th president of the United States. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021. Donald Trump.

What countries impose tariffs on US goods?

They were Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the UK and Vietnam.

Who tariffs the United States?

Only the federal government could set tariff rates (customs), so the old system of separate state rates disappeared.

What is American Liberation Day?

Trump has referred to 2 April as 'Liberation Day', saying the tariffs he will announce will free the country from depending on foreign goods.