In a bold move ahead of a crucial trade deadline, former US President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping wave of import tariffs, targeting 69 countries — including Pakistan, which now faces a 19% reciprocal tariff on its exports to the United States.
The announcement comes as part of Trump’s aggressive strategy to rewrite global trade rules, aimed at fixing what he describes as “unfair trade imbalances” and safeguarding US economic and security interests. The newly imposed tariffs range from 10% to a staggering 50%, with implementation set to begin next week.
According to the executive order signed by Trump, countries that failed to meet US demands during trade talks or did not align with Washington’s economic goals will face steeper duties. Pakistan is among those that didn’t reach a tariff-reducing agreement and now finds itself paying the price in this high-stakes global trade battle.
“Some partners offered deals that, in my judgment, do not address the imbalance or national security risks,” Trump stated, justifying the move. The reciprocal tariff strategy, he claims, is a necessary correction in a long-broken system.
Read More: Trump announces US-Pakistan oil deal while slapping tariffs on India
While the US has provided a 90-day tariff reprieve to Mexico and struck a deal with South Korea—lowering its auto tariffs from 25% to 15% in exchange for a $350 billion investment pledge—other nations like India and Canada weren't as lucky. India is bracing for a 25% tariff amid unresolved disputes over its agriculture sector and oil imports from Russia, triggering a slump in its currency and political outcry at home.
Meanwhile, Trump hit Brazil with a massive 50% duty, partly as a retaliation for the legal troubles of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. However, exemptions were granted to industries like aircraft and energy.
Even close allies like Canada weren’t spared. Goods linked to fentanyl-related concerns will now be taxed at 35%, up from 25%. Trump accused Ottawa of not doing enough to stop fentanyl inflows, a crisis he says justifies the harsher penalties.
As these tariffs roll out, Americans may also feel the pinch. Fresh data from the Commerce Department shows prices for household goods, recreational vehicles, and clothing rose sharply in June — a clear sign that consumers are bearing the brunt of the global trade battle.
Trump's move is already facing legal pushback. Judges from a federal appeals court questioned his use of emergency powers under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose such sweeping duties. The Court of International Trade had earlier ruled that these tariffs might have overstepped executive authority.
On the China front, negotiations continue. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed that a potential deal with China is close, but not finalized. Talks in Stockholm reportedly saw US negotiators "push back quite a bit," with an August 12 deadline looming.
