Trump Implements Major Tariffs, Targeting Global Trade Relationships

Fri Oct 17 2025 23:34:02 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

New tariffs impact dozens of countries, signaling a shift in US trade policy

President Trump has initiated extensive tariffs against multiple nations, including significant penalties for India and other Southeast Asian countries.

US President Donald Trump has officially enacted sweeping new tariffs affecting numerous countries globally. Celebrating the implementation, Trump declared, "IT'S MIDNIGHT!!! BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN TARIFFS ARE NOW FLOWING INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!" on social media, moments before the midnight deadline in Washington, DC.

The significant tariff alterations include a 50% tax on Indian imports, which will commence on August 27 unless India ceases purchases of Russian oil. Trump intimated a potential 100% tariff on foreign-produced computer chips, pushing US companies toward domestic investments.

This new directive follows last week's announcement of revised import taxes on several trading partners, with a final agreement deadline extended to August 7. Many countries are in a scramble to negotiate with the US in hopes of reducing or eliminating tariffs, which Trump has branded "reciprocal tariffs."

Southeast Asian economies particularly facing challenges include Laos and Myanmar, with tariffs soaring to 40%. Analysts suggest that these actions may be strategically targeting nations with strong trading relations with China. Notably, the UK, Japan, and South Korea have already reached agreements to lower their respective tariffs, while the European Union settled on a 15% tariff.

Taiwan received a temporary 20% tariff, with President Lai Ching-te affirming ongoing discussions with the US. Trump's recent decision to increase Canada's tariff from 25% to 35% stemmed from claims of inadequate cooperation in controlling the cross-border drug trade, although most Canadian exports escape the tax due to the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Higher tariffs on Mexican imports have been delayed for an additional 90 days as negotiations continue. On Wednesday, Trump reiterated his aim by suggesting a 100% tariff on foreign semiconductors, though key American chip manufacturers may be exempted from these new charges.

India has branded the tariff increase as "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable," vowing to safeguard its national interests. Brazil’s exports are also under threat of a 50% levy, following Trump's accusations against President Lula da Silva. Meanwhile, US-China discussions continue as both nations seek to extend a temporary pause on tariffs set to expire soon.