President Donald Trump said this week that the U.S. will now hit countries with reciprocal tariffs and will treat value-added taxes as tariffs.
“On Trade, I have decided, for purposes of Fairness, that I will charge a RECIPROCAL Tariff meaning, whatever Countries charge the United States of America, we will charge them – No more, no less!” Trump posted on X.
“For purposes of this United States Policy, we will consider Countries that use the VAT System, which is far more punitive than a Tariff, to be similar to that of a Tariff,” he continued. “Sending merchandise, product, or anything by any other name through another Country, for purposes of unfairly harming America, will not be accepted.”
He said that the United States would also “make provision for subsidies provided by Countries in order to take Economic advantage of the United States.”
“Likewise, provisions will be made for Nonmonetary Tariffs and Trade Barriers that some Countries charge in order to keep our product out of their domain or, if they do not even let U.S. businesses operate,” he continued. “We are able to accurately determine the cost of these Nonmonetary Trade Barriers.”
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The 47th president said that the policy is completely fair and leaves no room for anyone to complain since the United States is solely looking to level the playing field for American businesses.
“For many years, the U.S. has been treated unfairly by other Countries, both friend and foe,” he said. “This System will immediately bring Fairness and Prosperity back into the previously complex and unfair System of Trade.”
“America has helped many Countries throughout the years, at great financial cost,” he concluded. “It is now time that these Countries remember this, and treat us fairly – A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR AMERICAN WORKERS. I have instructed my Secretary of State, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of the Treasury, and United States Trade Representative (USTR) to do all work necessary to deliver RECIPROCITY to our System of Trade!”
On Trade, I have decided, for purposes of Fairness, that I will charge a RECIPROCAL Tariff meaning, whatever Countries charge the United States of America, we will charge them – No more, no less!
For purposes of this United States Policy, we will consider Countries that use the…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2025
