#TrumpTariffs Key Features of the 2025 Tariffs :
1. National Emergency Declaration
President Trump invoked the **International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)** to declare a national emergency over trade deficits and non-reciprocal trade practices. This allowed unilateral tariff impositions, including:
- A 10% baseline tariff on nearly all imports (effective April 5, 2025) .
Higher "reciprocal tariffs" (11–50%) targeting 57 countries with large U.S. trade deficits, initially set for April 9 but suspended until July 9 for all except China .
2. Sector-Specific Tariffs
- 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles (under Section 232 national security provisions) .
- 145% baseline tariffs on China, later reduced to 30% after negotiations (including a 90-day suspension of retaliatory measures) .
3. Exemptions and Exceptions
- USMCA-compliant goods from Canada and Mexico remained duty-free, while non-compliant goods faced 10–25% tariffs .
- Exempted items included pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, energy resources, and products already under Section 232 tariffs .
4. Economic and Market Impact
- Triggered a stock market crash and downgraded GDP growth projections .
- Small businesses faced challenges due to tariffs still at 30–54% on Chinese goods, despite temporary suspensions .
5. Negotiations and Retaliations
- China: Agreed to reduce retaliatory tariffs (from 125% to 34%) and suspend export controls on rare earth minerals. The U.S. retained pre-existing tariffs (e.g., Section 301) but suspended newer ones .
- UK Deal: Reduced tariffs on British metals and cars in exchange for U.S. agricultural exports .
- EU and Others: Retaliatory tariffs threatened, including EU plans for 25% duties on $8 billion of U.S. goods .