United States: Trump imposes ‘reciprocal’ tariffs

President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum ordering the application of reciprocal tariffs on US imports. This is aimed at bringing the United States taxes into line with those imposed by its trading partners.

This measure is part of a strategy to reduce the US trade deficit, which the Trump administration considers excessive. The White House defends ‘fair and reciprocal trade, accusing certain countries of unbalanced practices.

Experts are warning of a risk of trade tensions, as this policy calls into question the World Trade Organisation’s principle of global balance. Some partners could retaliate by raising their own tariffs on US products.