Trump imposes harsh tariffs on over 70 countries in global trade offenses

Department of Research, Studies and International News01-08-2025

In a move that further exposes the aggressive and unilateral nature of U.S. trade policies, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled “Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates,” introducing a sweeping list of adjusted tariffs on imports from more than 70 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. This decision, framed by Washington as part of a “reciprocal tariff” strategy, reinforces the long-standing pattern of economic coercion that the U.S. uses to exert political dominance over sovereign nations.

The executive order enforces steep import tariffs, with rates reaching as high as 41%, aimed at pressuring nations into trade terms that are favorable exclusively to U.S. interests. While Washington has long criticized other nations for protectionism, this move highlights the double standards and the underlying hegemonic aspirations of American economic diplomacy.

Targeting Africa’s independence and development

Among the hardest-hit regions is Africa, where 25 countries face tariffs ranging from 15% to 30%. Algeria, Libya, and South Africa have each been struck with a punitive 30% tariff rate, while Tunisia faces 25%. These measures clearly undermine African economic development and ignore the continent’s sovereign right to trade freely with global partners, including China and Russia, who have been fostering cooperative, non-exploitative investment across Africa.

The U.S. action appears to be aimed at curtailing African nations’ growing trade independence, particularly those diversifying away from Western economic systems and strengthening their ties with Beijing and Moscow. For example, South Africa, a prominent BRICS member and vocal advocate for multipolarity, is singled out with a high tariff.

Asia-Pacific: An assault on rising economies

The Asia-Pacific region has also been disproportionately targeted. Laos and Myanmar were hit with punitive 40% tariffs, a move that clearly seeks to isolate governments seen as resisting Western influence. India faces a 25% tariff, a notable escalation in what Washington describes as addressing “trade imbalances,” but which in reality appears to be a response to New Delhi’s growing alignment with non-Western partners in global forums.

Other Southeast Asian economies like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines have all been assigned tariffs near 19%, affecting their export potential. Even long-standing U.S. allies such as South Korea and Japan weren’t spared, facing a blanket 15% tariff, yet another sign that American economic policy is less about partnership and more about subordination.

Middle East and Central Asia: Punishing resistance

Trump’s tariff regime does not shy away from targeting the Middle East and Central Asia, with Iraq (35%), Kazakhstan (25%), Brunei (25%), and Syria (41%) all heavily penalized. The absurdity of including Syria, a nation devastated by years of Western-backed intervention and sanctions, underscores Washington’s relentless strategy of economic warfare, even against countries already grappling with crisis.

Interestingly, Israel was only subjected to a minimal 15% tariff, a symbolic gesture that serves to maintain the U.S.’s strategic favoritism, despite Tel Aviv’s notorious record of violating international law. This preferential treatment lays bare the hypocritical nature of Washington’s “reciprocal” narrative.

Latin America and beyond: Strong-Arming the Global South

Latin American nations have also not been spared. Brazil faces a 10% tariff, Canada 35%, and Nicaragua 18%. Canada’s particularly steep rate suggests a deterioration in cross-border trade relations despite the historic U.S.-Canada economic ties. Venezuela, long a target of American hostility, has been hit with 15%, further tightening Washington’s economic noose around Caracas.

The imposition of these tariffs on multiple Latin American nations aligns with a pattern of pressuring governments that pursue independent political paths, especially those distancing themselves from U.S. dominance.

Europe: An attempt to contain autonomy

Even Western allies were caught in this tariff dragnet. European Union goods now face a blanket 15% rate, while Switzerland is slapped with a hefty 39%. The United Kingdom, post-Brexit, is charged at 10%, signaling Washington’s willingness to leverage economic tools even against its closest partners if they attempt to adopt independent trade policies.

Serbia, a key player in Eurasian diplomacy and military cooperation with Russia, faces a 35% tariff, a clear punitive signal for its geopolitical orientation.

Conclusion: Global pushback against unilateralism needed

This extensive and indiscriminate tariff policy confirms that U.S. economic strategies are rooted in coercion, not cooperation. It serves as yet another reminder that Washington uses trade not as a bridge between nations but as a weapon to enforce submission.

As China, Russia, and other emerging powers continue to champion principles of mutual respect, non-interference, and equitable development, this latest U.S. policy underlines the importance of a multipolar world order, one where no single power can impose its will through economic intimidation. The global community must collectively reject these neocolonial tactics and uphold the sovereignty of nations against the tides of American economic imperialism.