Trump’s sweeping global tariffs take effect, targeting over 90 countries

A sweeping new wave of US tariffs championed by President Donald Trump has officially come into effect, impacting more than 90 countries and marking a dramatic escalation in his efforts to reshape global trade.

The tariffs, first announced in April and fine-tuned over the following months, were triggered as a negotiating deadline expired on August 7, Caliber.Az reports, citing fioreign media.

Just moments before the deadline, Trump posted on Truth Social: “Tariffs are flowing into the USA at levels not thought even possible!”

Designed to boost domestic jobs and manufacturing, Trump’s tariffs hit a broad spectrum of goods and trading partners. Some of the steepest duties apply to Southeast Asian nations like Laos and Myanmar, with levies reaching up to 40%. Analysts suggest countries closely tied to China were disproportionately affected.

In a separate development on August 6, Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on Indian imports unless it halts purchases of Russian oil. He also floated a 100% tariff on foreign-made computer chips, aiming to push tech firms to invest in the US.

Trump’s administration says these measures are part of a broader effort to reduce the US trade deficit and to correct what he views as “unfair” practices in the global trading system. His policies mean US importers now pay historically high duties, many of which are passed on to consumers.

Some key allies, however, have reached deals to soften the blow. The UK, Japan, and South Korea negotiated lower rates, while the EU accepted a 15% tariff in a framework agreement. Taiwan, hit with a 20% tariff, called the move “temporary,” as ongoing talks continue.

Others, like Switzerland, are reeling. Facing a 39% tariff, Swiss officials are holding an emergency meeting after failing to reach a deal. “This is supposed to be it,” said economist Bert Hofman of the National University of Singapore. “Now you can start to analyse the impact of the tariffs.”

Meanwhile, tariffs on Mexico have been delayed for 90 days, and the US continues talks with China before a key tariffs pause expires on August 12.

By Vafa Guliyeva