Donald Trump has instructed his trade advisers to develop “reciprocal” tariffs on US trade partners in response to taxes, tariffs, regulations, and subsidies, potentially sparking a global trade conflict.
A senior White House official stated that tariffs will be applied on a “country-by-country” basis after a review, starting with nations where the US has the largest trade deficit.
The official mentioned that the tariffs will be implemented quickly, in what is referred to as “Trump time”. “This process should take only weeks, or a few months,” he explained.
The memo signed by Trump characterized the US trade deficit as a national security concern, paving the way for the imposition of tariffs without Congressional approval.
White House officials indicated that the administration will utilize various legal mechanisms, such as Section 301 of the Trade Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, to enforce the tariffs.
