Donald Trump's aggressive trade moves: US President indicates he won't go below 15% tariff rate; ‘we'll have a straight…'

Time of India

4 days ago

Trump indicated earlier this month that he would send letters to over 150 nations. (AI image)
US President
Donald Trump
seems to have indicated that the 15% reciprocal tariff rate would be the new baseline for most countries.
"We'll have a straight, simple tariff of anywhere between 15% and 50%," Trump said Wednesday at an AI summit in Washington according to a Bloomberg report.
"A couple of — we have 50 because we haven't been getting along with those countries too well.
"
The US President indicated a minimum tariff rate of 15% before the August 1 deadline, signalling an increase in the baseline.
Trump indicated earlier this month that he would send letters to over 150 nations, proposing a tariff rate of "probably 10 or 15%, we haven't decided yet."
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Donald Trump's Aggressive Trade Strategy
According to the report, Trump's announcement of a 15% starting rate marked a new development in his strategy to implement duties on virtually all US trade partners.
It also demonstrated Trump's intention to enforce stricter levies on exports from nations that have not yet established trade agreements with Washington.
Despite initial indications from Trump and his team about pursuing multiple agreements, Trump has now indicated that the tariff letters themselves are completed "deals". The US President appears reluctant to engage in extensive negotiations.
Nevertheless, he maintains that countries have the opportunity to reach agreements that could result in reduced rates.
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On Tuesday, Trump announced a deal with Japan with a reduction in the proposed tariff on Japan from 25% to 15%. This is conditional upon Japan eliminating barriers on certain US goods and supporting a $550 billion investment fund. Meanwhile, other countries, including South Korea, India, and EU member states, continue their efforts to reach an accord before the increased tariffs become effective.
On Wednesday, Trump indicated his intention to implement a straightforward tariff system for certain nations, citing the impracticality of negotiating individual agreements with numerous countries.
He noted that discussions with the European Union were progressing seriously.
"If they agree to open up the union to American businesses, then we will let them pay a lower tariff," Trump said.
On Sunday, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick informed CBS News that smaller nations, including "the Latin American countries, the Caribbean countries, many countries in Africa" would face a baseline tariff of 10%. When Trump first announced these tariffs in April, he introduced a uniform 10% tariff applicable to almost every nation.
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