The United States President, Donald Trump, has announced a new trade policy aimed at imposing reciprocal tariffs on foreign countries, ensuring they pay the same rates they charge the United States.
In a statement posted Monday on his X handle, Trump said, “On Trade, I have decided, for purposes of Fairness, that I will charge a RECIPROCAL Tariff — meaning, whatever Countries charge the United States of America, we will charge them — No more, no less!”
Trump stated that the move was necessary to create “a level playing field for American workers” and prevent foreign nations from taking advantage of the U.S. economy.
He stated that countries with Value Added Tax (VAT) systems, which he described as “far more punitive than a tariff,” would be treated similarly under the new policy.
The president also warned against attempts to bypass the tariffs by routing goods through third countries, calling such practices an unfair effort to harm American interests.
However, he announced that the U.S. would address foreign subsidies that give overseas competitors an economic advantage over American businesses.
To implement this policy, Trump said he had directed key officials, including the Secretary of State, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of the Treasury, and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), to take all necessary actions.
According to Trump, “Likewise, provisions will be made for Nonmonetary Tariffs and Trade Barriers that some Countries charge in order to keep our product out of their domain or, if they do not even let U.S. businesses operate.
“We are able to accurately determine the cost of these Nonmonetary Trade Barriers. It is fair to all, no other Country can complain and, in some cases, if a Country feels that the United States would be getting too high a Tariff, all they have to do is reduce or terminate their Tariff against us. There are no Tariffs if you manufacture or build your product in the United States.
He said for many years, the U.S. has been treated unfairly by other Countries, both friend and foe.
“This System will immediately bring Fairness and Prosperity back into the previously complex and unfair System of Trade. America has helped many Countries throughout the years, at great financial cost.
“It is now time that these Countries remember this, and treat us fairly – A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR AMERICAN WORKERS. I have instructed my Secretary of State, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of the Treasury, and United States Trade Representative (USTR) to do all work necessary to deliver RECIPROCITY to our System of Trade,” Trump added.
On Trade, I have decided, for purposes of Fairness, that I will charge a RECIPROCAL Tariff meaning, whatever Countries charge the United States of America, we will charge them – No more, no less!
For purposes of this United States Policy, we will consider Countries that use the…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2025
