Trump imposes steep tariffs on numerous countries, including a 19% duty on Pakistani products
U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a new round of aggressive import tariffs, targeting 69 countries including Pakistan, which now faces a 19% reciprocal duty just ahead of a key trade deadline on Friday. The tariffs, ranging from 10% to 41%, will take effect next week and are part of Trump’s broader strategy to overhaul global trade practices and address what he calls “unfair imbalances” threatening U.S. economic and national security interests.
An executive order issued by Trump outlines the new rates and sets a seven-day implementation window. While some nations negotiated reduced tariff deals, others were given no such opportunity. Countries not listed in the annex will face a flat 10% tariff.
Trump justified the move by claiming that certain trading partners failed to offer adequate concessions or align with U.S. economic and security priorities. Canada was hit particularly hard, with tariffs on goods linked to fentanyl-related concerns raised from 25% to 35%, citing Ottawa’s lack of cooperation in curbing fentanyl flows into the U.S. Meanwhile, Mexico received a 90-day reprieve from a planned 30% hike, following a call between Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
A U.S. official noted that more trade deals are still in progress but declined to provide details ahead of Trump’s formal announcements. The official praised Mexico’s cooperative stance but criticized Canada for being less constructive.
Trump also reaffirmed tariffs of 50% on Mexican steel, aluminum, and copper, and 25% on Mexican cars and non-USMCA-compliant goods. He claimed Mexico had agreed to remove various non-tariff barriers immediately, though no details were provided.
South Korea secured a deal to limit tariffs on its exports to 15%, down from a proposed 25%, and pledged $350 billion in U.S. investments. In contrast, India is facing 25% tariffs amid unresolved disputes over agricultural market access and its continued imports of Russian oil. The ongoing talks have sparked domestic political backlash in India and weakened the rupee.
The rollout of these tariffs coincides with rising consumer prices. U.S. Commerce Department data shows a surge in costs for household items, vehicles, and clothing — signaling the inflationary effect of the new trade policies.
In Latin America, Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazil in retaliation for its prosecution of his ally Jair Bolsonaro but spared certain industries such as aviation and energy.
Meanwhile, legal challenges are mounting. Federal appeals court judges have raised serious concerns over Trump’s use of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act to justify these sweeping measures. A lower court previously ruled that Trump had exceeded his executive authority.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a potential deal with China is nearing completion but still awaits Trump’s final approval. Negotiations this week in Stockholm yielded progress, though a deadline looms on August 12 to reach a comprehensive agreement and avoid further escalation.
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