The export nations are worried: What is US President Trump announced today – on the day he calls full -bodied “Liberation Day”? Which tariffs have already been imposed? What else could follow?
Donald Trump continues his aggressive trade policy. In order to meet the “unfair trade”, as he calls it, and to enforce other political goals, the US President wants to announce new far -reaching tariffs today – on April 2, which he recently described as “Liberation Day”.
Which new tariffs could come?
So far, only a small part of the plans has been determined. However, this weighs seriously: From Thursday, an additional inch of 25 percent will be due for all cars imported into the USA. At the end of March, Trump assured that these tariffs were no longer negotiable, but “permanent”.
Possible further decisions are only known in the beginning. At the weekend, however, the 78-year-old had already said that no state would be spared.
According to the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the United States will raise new special tariffs on the import of semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and wood. In addition, another announcement on so-called reciprocal tariffs is expected, with which unfair tariffs of other countries are to be reacted to, the EU politician said on Tuesday before the European Parliament. Trump has already announced that these mutual tariffs also include other trade barriers, such as special import specifications or subsidies.
But even the worst scenario is not yet off the table: that would be a flat -rate additional tariffs to all imports of 20 or even 25 percent. Whatever tariffs are imposed, they are likely to lie in the order of around 20 percent, reported Washington Post, citing insiders.
Trump has also announced other tariffs that are not directly associated with economic goals. So there should be a drastic punitive tariff against countries that obtain oil and gas from Venezuela. In the future, such so -called so -called secondary doctors could also affect countries that buy fuels from Russia or Iran.
Which tariffs Trump has already imposed?
Since March 12, US tariffs of 25 percent have been on steel and aluminum imports. The United States imports about half of the steel and aluminum used in the country. Canada is in the first place of the suppliers, followed by Brazil and the EU.
Trump has already had a comprehensive exchange of blows with his neighbors Mexico and Canada. Initially, Trump had announced a flat -rate penalty tariff in the amount of usually 25 percent from February 1. After two absorbers and mutual threats, products that fall under the USMCA free trade agreement are initially excluded.
Trump was less forgiving with China. Since March 4, additional tariffs of 20 percent have applied to Chinese imports to the United States. With China, the United States has the greatest trade deficit. So far, Beijing has responded to a number of agricultural products from the United States, particularly with tariffs.
How will the EU react?
The EU Commission responsible for European trade policy has emphasized its willingness to negotiate until the end. As already before, the community replied to the renewed steel and aluminum tariffs with tariffs to “primal” products such as jeans, whiskey and motorcycles, which were initially to reach from Tuesday. Your start was postponed to mid -April. One reason is also likely to be Trump’s threat of tariffs of 200 percent on alcoholic drinks such as wine and champagne.
However, Brussels was determined to expand his retaliation measures if negotiations with the USA fail. “We don’t necessarily want to hit back, but if it is necessary we have a strong plan,” said von der Leyen. Europe has “all means to protect people in Europe and our prosperity”.
So far, Brussels is silent about further details. Most recently, demands were made to target the Internet giants from the USA. This could mean fees or even a digital tax.
How could it go on?
In any case, the United States’ trading partners are facing tough negotiations. The EU has already brought various new agreements into conversation, for example to increase the increased import of American liquefied gas or military technology.
However, the previous negotiation results indicate that trading will probably not run as much as before. In the worst scenario, the trade dispute would expand into a real trade war – with difficult consequences for the economy. The Leyen said that the US tariffs would heat up inflation again, drive up the costs of companies and ultimately lead to job cancellations.
A recession is not excluded for Germany, which delivered a good ten percent of its exports to the United States last year.
