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3w ago

U.S. Imposes Reciprocal Tariffs on 185 Countries, Targets EU with 20% Levy

Commerce Secretary Lutnick defends the move, citing European restrictions on American agricultural products as unfair trade practices.

US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick holds a chart as unseen US President Donald Trump delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs during an event in the Rose Garden entitled Make America Wealthy Again at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 2, 2025. Trump geared up to unveil sweeping new Liberation Day tariffs in a move that threatens to ignite a devastating global trade war. Key US trading partners including the European Union and Britain said they were preparing their responses to Trump's escalation, as nervous markets fell in Europe and America. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP)
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Overview

  • President Donald Trump signed an executive order on April 2, 2025, imposing reciprocal tariffs on 185 countries to address perceived trade inequities.
  • The European Union is now subject to a 20% tariff, with criticism from the U.S. focusing on EU bans on American beef, poultry, and seafood.
  • Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick called the tariffs a necessary step to protect American farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers from restrictive trade barriers.
  • The EU's restrictions stem from health and environmental standards, including bans on Hormonal Growth Promotants in beef and chlorine washing in poultry.
  • The new tariffs expand on prior measures, such as the recent increase in tariffs on China to 54%, and align with the administration's broader 'America First' trade agenda.