The United States is relapsing into an old identity. In 2025, President Donald Trump revived the strategy that once defined the American economy — tariffs. For more than a century, from 1789 to 1913, tariffs powered U.S. government revenues and protected domestic industry.
Today, the same model has returned, but with far greater global consequences.Trump’s second term began with swift economic action. On February 1st, executive orders reimposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, and slapped a 10% duty on Chinese goods. The justification? Border security, unfair trade balances, and what Trump has described as "economic exploitation."
But this was only the opening salvo. Within two months, the scale had intensified dramatically. China now faces a staggering 54% in total duties. The European Union was hit with 20%, Japan 24%, South Korea 25%, India 26%, and others — like Vietnam, Cambodia and Taiwan — were hit even harder.
Trump’s administration argues these are simply “reciprocal tariffs” — a fair response to what America has long endured. He points to asymmetries in trade: while the U.S. kept tariffs low, many of its partners imposed far higher duties on American goods. “It’s economic warfare,” Trump said. “Now we’re fighting back.”
The sectors affected are vast and strategically vital.
Cars, steel, aluminium, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals — all swept into the tariff storm.
Multinational companies scrambled. Toyota, BMW, Ford, Hyundai and Tesla all warned of production cuts and falling exports. U.S. retail giants like Walmart flagged price hikes. Brija, a rising clean-tech battery startup, froze its growth plans amid the uncertainty.
Then came the crescendo.
On April 2nd, standing in the White House Rose Garden, President Trump declared “Liberation Day.” Holding a chart of new levies, he unveiled the most aggressive tariff expansion in recent American history. A 10% baseline tariff on all imports was set to begin April 5th. But for more than 60 countries, much higher rates would follow.
Some of the hardest-hit:
China: 54%
Vietnam: 46%
India: 26%
Japan: 24%
South Korea: 25%
European Union: 20%
United Kingdom: 10%
Cambodia: 49%
Canada and Mexico, for now, remain under separate penalties tied to fentanyl trafficking and migration concerns.
Markets reacted with shock.
Nasdaq futures fell 2.5%. FTSE 100 dropped 0.7%. Brent crude briefly tumbled. Gold soared above $3,130/oz. Auto stocks — Ford, GM, Stellantis, Tesla — all fell sharply.
China condemned the move as “unilateral bullying” and froze outbound U.S. investment approvals.
Ireland’s PM Micheál Martin called the tariffs “deeply regrettable” and warned of job losses.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said “All instruments are on the table.”
Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson warned the tariffs could make the world “more dangerous.”
Japan called for urgent talks, while the Bank of Japan warned of economic fragility.
South Korea voiced concern that the export recovery could stall.
Inside Trump’s Cabinet, however, the tone was triumphant.
Speaker Mike Johnson praised the end of “exploitation.” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the move would “make America safe again.” National Security Adviser Mike Waltz called it a matter of “economic security.”
But economists sounded alarms.
Mary Lovely of the Peterson Institute warned of inflation, ruptured supply chains, and long-term volatility. "It’s worse than we feared,” she said.
Trump defended the strategy with a history lesson.
“We were the richest we’ve ever been when tariffs funded our nation,” he said. “This is kind reciprocity. But if they won’t lower their barriers — they’ll pay.”
The world is watching.
Whether this gamble ushers in American resurgence or global rupture is now a question for markets, capitals — and time.
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