Washington, D.C. – US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that his administration’s upcoming reciprocal tariffs will apply to all nations, not just the 10 to 15 countries with the largest trade imbalances.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized that the new tariff measures—set to be unveiled on Wednesday—will encompass “essentially all of the countries that we’re talking about.” He has dubbed the announcement “Liberation Day.”
The tariff plan builds upon previous levies imposed on aluminum, steel, autos, and all Chinese imports as part of Trump’s broader strategy to shield the US economy from unfair global competition. The White House sees these tariffs as a key tool in trade negotiations, ensuring better terms for the US in international deals.
While White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett recently indicated that the focus would be on nations with the worst trade imbalances, Trump’s latest remarks suggest a more comprehensive approach.
However, the aggressive tariff stance has fueled fears of a trade war, unsettling financial markets and raising concerns about a potential US recession.
Economists warn that escalating tariff disputes could disrupt global supply chains and increase costs for American businesses and consumers.
In February, Trump signed a memorandum directing US trade officials to create a country-specific list of countermeasures.
Although he initially signalled that reciprocal tariffs would match the fees imposed on US exports, he recently suggested that some rates could be adjusted to avoid excessive economic strain.
With the official tariff announcement approaching, global markets and policymakers are watching closely for the full scope of Trump’s trade policy shift.
