US starts collecting Trump's new 10% tariff, smashing global trade norms

Key Points

  • U.S. customs agents began collecting President Donald Trump's unilateral 10% tariff on imports from many countries, with higher tariffs on goods from 57 larger trading partners starting next week.
  • The tariffs mark a significant shift in global trade, described as the "single biggest trade action of our lifetime" by trade lawyer Kelly Ann Shaw.
  • The announcement led to a $5 trillion drop in S&P 500 market value, with investors moving towards government bonds for safety.
  • Countries like Australia, Britain, and Saudi Arabia are among the first to face the 10% tariff, with no grace period for cargoes on the water at the time of implementation.
  • Trump's higher "reciprocal" tariffs, ranging from 11% to 50%, are set to affect European Union imports at 20% and Chinese goods at 34%, with Vietnam facing a 46% tariff.

Summary

U.S. customs agents have started imposing a 10% tariff on imports from numerous countries, marking a significant shift in global trade policy under President Donald Trump. This action, effective from Saturday, is part of Trump's broader strategy to reject the post-World War Two system of mutually agreed tariff rates. The tariffs are expected to evolve as countries negotiate for lower rates, but the initial impact has been profound, causing a record $5 trillion drop in the S&P 500's market value over two days. Countries like Australia, Britain, and Saudi Arabia are immediately affected, with no grace period for goods in transit. Higher tariffs, ranging from 11% to 50%, are scheduled for next week, targeting major trading partners like the EU and China. Notably, Canada and Mexico are exempt due to existing tariffs related to the fentanyl crisis, and certain product categories, including energy and pharmaceuticals, are also exempted from these new duties. This move has shaken global markets and could lead to further negotiations and adjustments in trade policies.

yahoo
April 5, 2025
Stocks
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