U.S. President Donald Trump signed two executive orders imposing sweeping new tariffs, declaring a “national emergency” to bolster American competitiveness and economic security. The measures include a universal 10% baseline tariff effective April 5, followed by steeper “reciprocal” duties targeting top trade-deficit partners from April 9.
The White House stated the “reciprocal tariffs” — adjustable at Trump’s discretion — would hit Cambodia (49%), Laos (48%), Vietnam (46%), Sri Lanka (44%), Mauritius (40%), Iraq (39%), Bangladesh (37%), and Thailand (36%), among others. Other nations remain subject to the 10% baseline.
This escalation follows repeated tariff threats by Trump, drawing swift international backlash. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang recently reiterated Beijing’s stance: “Trade wars produce no winners. No nation ever prospered through tariffs.” Major U.S. trading partners have begun formulating responses.
