Under the concept of “Day of Liberation,” on April 2, President Donald Trump announced the details of tariffs on imports from various trade partners, a measure that has evolved over time since he took office.
According to the international news network CNN, the implementation of these tariffs has four main objectives: to restrict the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigration into the U.S, to ensure fair trade conditions with its partners, to increase public revenues, and to boost domestic manufacturing.
“We have been waiting for this for a long time. April 2, 2025, will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn. The day America’s destiny was reclaimed, and the day we started making America richer again”, said Trump.
The president explained that for decades, the nation has been robbed and exploited by both neighboring and distant countries. Therefore, he will sign an Executive Order instituting reciprocal tariffs.
“I will sign a historic Executive Order instituting reciprocal tariffs on countries all around the world… Reciprocal, that means they do it to us, and we do it to them. Very simple”.
“With today’s action, we will finally be able to make America great again, and greater than ever. Jobs and factories will come back to our country. We will return to America’s Golden Age”.
The tariffs that have generated the most anticipation are those that will impact agricultural trade, given that many countries are important suppliers to the U.S. market, such as Mexico and Canada.
In particular, the U.S. heavily depends on Mexico for supplies of tomatoes, avocados, peppers, and various fruits and vegetables. Additionally, significant imports of beef, pork, and canola oil come from Canada.
Both neighboring countries now face a 25% tariff, which could lead to price increases.
Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has been actively working to resolve differences through dialogue. Along with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, they have agreed on the importance of maintaining communication with the U.S., integrating the three economies, and strengthening the U.S – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA).
“With today’s actions, we are also standing up for our great farmers who have been brutalized by nations all around the world”, Trump said.
“It’s not fair to our country, and with countries like Canada, we subsidize many nations and keep them in business. In the case of Mexico, it is 300 billion dollars a year. In the case of Canada, it is nearly 200 billion dollars a year”.
Trump detailed some of the base tariffs for certain countries, such as 20% for the European Union, 34% for China, 24% for Japan, and 26% for India. The list also included South Africa and Brazil, but regardless of the origin, the minimum tariff will be 10%, and it will take effect at midnight tonight.
It’s worth noting that countries such as Mexico, Canada, and Russia are not included on the list.
“Countries affected by the reciprocal tariffs announced by Donald Trump”
While the U.S is not at risk of food shortages, certain staple items in the American diet could experience significant price pressures. As a result, the U.S. food prices may become more susceptible to seasonal fluctuations as reliance on foreign products decreases.
On Tuesday, April 1, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that whatever Trump announces regarding tariffs will be “effective immediately”.
Reactions and Scenarios Leading Up to Trump’s Announcement
Canada
The two countries are key trade partners. In 2023, Canada imported just over $5 billion in fresh products from the U.S, which represents nearly half of all fresh product imports.
Meanwhile, Canadian businesses exported just over $4 billion in fresh products to the U.S, which accounts for over 95% of all fresh product exports.
Europe
Hours before Trump’s announcements, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the European Union is fully prepared to respond to the tariffs.
“It must be clear: Europe did not initiate this confrontation. We do not necessarily want to retaliate, but we have a solid plan to do so if necessary”, she stated.
“European citizens need to know this: together, we will always promote and defend our interests and values, and we will always stand up for Europe”, she added, appealing to “unity” in response to Trump’s actions.
The list of involved products and services will be made known once the tariffs are enacted.
Asia
According to China’s state broadcaster CCTV, the Asian giant, Japan, and South Korea will respond jointly to the impending tariffs.
It was reported that the three countries held economic talks on Sunday, March 30, for the first time in five years, promising to boost fair trade and strengthen economic ties, just days before the U.S announces sweeping tariffs on all trade partners.
Source: Portal Frutícola
