Trump Hits Over 20 Trade Partners with 15% or 20% Tariffs — What Will the Economic Consequences Be?

• President Donald Trump announced an increase in general tariffs for more than 20 US trading partners, intensifying America’s trade war.
• These measures could drive up prices, hurt jobs, and complicate critical relationships with the European Union, Canada, and Brazil.
• Expectations are growing for trade retaliation and last-minute negotiations to avoid higher costs for consumers and businesses.

Trump confirmed plans to raise the current general tariffs from 10% to 15% or 20% for most US trade partners.

According to the White House, the goal is to protect domestic industry, but the measure is already sparking concern over potential effects on inflation and diplomatic relations.

Trump argues these tariffs will strengthen the national economy, while the European Union and Canada are preparing to negotiate or respond with their own measures.

Trump’s New Tariffs: Affected Partners and Key Figures

Trump told NBC News that “all remaining countries will pay” the 15% or 20%, covering more than 20 nations.

• This week, the White House sent letters officially notifying the new tariffs, including a 50% tariff on imports from Brazil and on copper, which will take effect next month.
• Canada, one of the US’s top trading partners, will face a 35% tariff. Bilateral trade exceeds $400 billion a year, meaning this tension threatens to impact businesses and workers on both sides of the border.
• The European Union is seeking to agree on a universal 10% tariff on its exports to avoid harsher sanctions.

Last year, the US imported over $600 billion in European goods. According to Maroš Šefčovič, the EU’s chief negotiator, talks are ongoing “every day” to prevent a major conflict.

Do the New Tariffs Also Hurt the US?

Trump’s new tariffs could translate into higher prices for imported goods—food, clothing, appliances, or building materials.

Small businesses relying on foreign supplies will be forced to pay more, reducing profit margins and competitiveness.

Additionally, agricultural sectors—where many Hispanic workers play a vital role—have already been hit by trade retaliation in the past.

China previously responded by imposing tariffs on key products like soybeans, whose exports fell 63% in 2018. This caused job losses and income declines for farmers and transport workers.

Experts Warn About the Effects of Trump’s Tariffs

“Tariffs can protect some manufacturing jobs, but ultimately they are a tax on consumers and a risk to the economy,” notes a report by the Congressional Research Service.

European negotiator Maroš Šefčovič stated: “It is crucial that our negotiations prevent higher tariffs while other nations face steep rates after Trump’s letters.”

Expectations for Negotiations in the US Trade War

The Trump administration insists it is working on “dozens of agreements” to ease tensions, but so far none have been signed during the most recent 90-day period.

Meanwhile, the implementation of a 50% tariff on copper imports has been confirmed, which will affect strategic sectors like energy, defense, and technology.

China has already warned it will retaliate if the US excludes it from global supply chains. Analysts fear these tensions could trigger a new round of the US trade war.