Donald Trump has announced the introduction of a new round of comprehensive tariffs affecting more than 80 countries worldwide. This decision represents the latest attempt by his administration to continue imposing global trade levies without explicit congressional approval, thereby bypassing the legislative branch.
The new tariffs have triggered a sharp reaction from the international community, including a wave of criticism and protests from traditional US allies and major trading partners. The Trump administration officially issued an order for the new measures late on Thursday, confirming that policy would change drastically compared to the previous period.
The tariffs are introduced in a range of 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent and apply to dozens of countries. The list of affected states includes the United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, Australia, India, China, and all 27 countries of the European Union. These measures replace the earlier global tariff of 10 per cent which was due to expire on Friday.
The legal basis for these new measures was established after the US Supreme Court ruled in February that Trump had illegally used executive power to implement global trade policies. The court then determined that the previously imposed tariffs were not in accordance with the law, forcing the administration to find new legal mechanisms for their enforcement.
According to Donald Trump, the US currently pays more than its fair share of global tariffs. He argues that increased levies are necessary to stimulate American production and create new jobs within the country, which is the main argument for this trade escalation.
These new tariffs come into force on Friday morning, closing the loop on measures initially introduced in February. Although the initial 10 per cent tariff was introduced at that time, the current move represents a significant tightening and expansion of trade barriers towards key economic partners.
