:Liberation Day tariffs

{{Short description|2025 economic policy by U.S. President Donald Trump}}

{{Requested move notice|1="Liberation Day" tariffs|2=Talk:Liberation Day tariffs#Requested move 5 May 2025}}

File:Trump showing a chart with reciprocal tariffs (cropped).jpg

On April 2, 2025, United States president Donald Trump held a White House Rose Garden ceremony where he announced what he called a "reciprocal tariff" strategy, which he had previously promised and described as necessary to correct what he characterized as decades of unfair trading relationships that disadvantaged American manufacturers and workers. He called April 2 "Liberation Day" and described it as "one of the most important days in American history." The newly planned tariffs have sometimes been referred to as the "Liberation Day" tariffs.{{Cite news |last1=Swanson |first1=Ana |last2=Rappeport |first2=Alan |last3=Romm |first3=Tony |date=2025-04-02 |title=Trump Announces Sweeping Tariffs on All Imports: Live Updates |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/04/02/business/trump-tariffs-liberation-day |access-date=2025-04-02 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

During the event, Trump signed Executive Order 14257,Full text of Executive Order 14257: {{cite web |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-04-07/pdf/2025-06063.pdf |title=Regulating Imports With a Reciprocal Tariff To Rectify Trade Practices That Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits |date=April 2, 2025 |author=Donald Trump}} which outlined extensive global tariff policies which he described as the United States' "declaration of economic independence". The announcement of the order marked the beginning of a global trade war and triggered a global stock market crash. The tariffs also have a disproportionate impact on small businesses, driving many to take radical measures, including layoffs and emergency liquidation of inventory, and even bankruptcy.{{Cite web |last=Simon |first=Ruth |title=How Tariffs Are Crushing Small Businesses: 'Nobody in Power Seems to Care' |url=https://www.wsj.com/business/entrepreneurship/small-business-tariffs-e6dfaccb |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=WSJ |language=en-US}}

Background

{{Main|Tariffs in the second Trump administration|China–United States trade war|2025 United States trade war with Canada and Mexico}}

Prior to the "Liberation Day" announcement, Trump had implemented several tariff policies since returning to office in January 2025. These included duties on steel and aluminum imports, as well as tariffs targeting specific countries such as China, Canada, and Mexico. The administration had also announced a 25% tariff on imported automobiles and automotive parts scheduled to take effect at midnight on April 3, 2025. These previous measures had already increased the average U.S. tariff rate to approximately 12%, the highest level since World War II according to Deutsche Bank Research.{{Cite web |last=Buchwald |first=Elisabeth |date=2025-04-02 |title=Trump just massively escalated his trade war. Here's what he announced {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/02/business/liberation-day-trump-tariffs/index.html |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=CNN |language=en}}

Tariff announcement

{{Infobox U.S. presidential document

| executiveorder = 14257

| type = Executive order

| documentimage = Executive Order 14257.pdf

| longtitle = Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits

| signedpresident = Donald Trump

| signeddate = April 2, 2025

| summary =

| documentcaption = Front page of Executive Order 14257

| documentnumber = 2025-06063

| publicationdate = April 7, 2025

}}

In the White House Rose Garden address on April 2, 2025, Trump declared that April 2 was "Liberation Day," describing the announcement as "one of the most important days in American history" and "our declaration of economic independence." The president unveiled a two-tier tariff structure: a baseline 10% tariff applied universally to imports from all countries with the exception of Canada and Mexico, and additional country-specific "reciprocal" tariffs based on what the administration deemed unfair trade practices by approximately 60 individual nations.{{Cite web |last=Stepansky |first=Joseph |title='Unwarranted': World leaders react after Trump announces fresh tariffs |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/4/2/trump-tariffs-live-news-liberation-day-plan-puts-markets-on-high-alert |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} The 10% baseline tariff would begin at 12:01 a.m. EDT on April 5, 2025 (04:01 UTC), while the higher country-specific rates would commence at 12:01 a.m. EDT on April 9, 2025.

Trump declared a national emergency to address what he described as a "large and persistent U.S. trade deficit", enabling him to invoke the IEEPA to impose a 10% tariff on all imports to the US, effective April 5, 2025.{{Cite web |last1=Palmer |first1=Doug |last2=Desrochers |first2=Daniel |date=2025-04-02 |title=Trump imposes 10 percent universal tariff, higher for top trade partners |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/02/trump-tariff-trade-partners-liberation-day-00267350 |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=Politico |language=en}} He also announced higher tariffs on approximately 60 countries and territories set to begin April 9.{{Cite web |last=Pichee |first=Aimee |date=2025-04-02 |title=Trump reveals these 2 new types of tariffs on what he calls "Liberation Day," CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/liberation-day-trump-tariffs-explained/ |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}} The White House confirmed that these tariffs would be applied in addition to existing measures on Chinese imports, resulting in an effective tariff rate of 54% on Chinese goods after April 9, 2025.{{Cite web |last=Doherty |first=Dan Mangan, Kevin Breuninger, Jesse Pound, Christina Wilkie, Megan Cassella, Erin |date=2025-04-02 |title=Trump's tariffs shock U.S. trade partners, sending Asian markets lower: Live updates |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/02/trump-tariffs-live-updates.html |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=CNBC |language=en}}

The tariffs would apply to more than 100 trading partners. However, they would not impact products already subject to previous tariff actions, including steel, aluminum, vehicles, and vehicle parts. Energy products and certain minerals "not available in the United States" were also exempted.

Among the highest tariff rates announced included:{{Cite web |last=Sheffey |first=Ayelet |title=Trump unveils his double-digit 'Liberation Day' reciprocal tariffs on China, Taiwan, and a slew of other key trading partners |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-liberation-day-reciprocal-tariffs-speech-2025-4 |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}

Cambodia: 49%
Vietnam: 46%
Sri Lanka: 44%
Bangladesh: 37%
Thailand: 36%
China: 34% (in addition to existing 20% levies)
Taiwan: 32%
Indonesia: 32%
Switzerland: 31%
South Africa: 30%
Pakistan: 29%
India: 26%
South Korea: 25%
Japan: 24%

Among the lowest:

Many countries get the lowest tariff rate of 10%, except for 0% on the heavily sanctioned Russia and North Korea.

The $800 de minimis threshold for duty-free imports from China was eliminated, effective May 2, with plans to eliminate this threshold for other countries once administrative capacity was established. The elimination of this exemption would take effect on May 2, 2025. The minimum fee would gradually rise to $50 per shipment, making direct individual consumer purchases of most goods uneconomical.{{cite news |url=https://www.npr.org/2025/04/04/nx-s1-5350588/temu-shein-tariff-shopping |publisher=NPR |date=April 5, 2025 |author=Brian Mann |title=Trump closes loophole used by American shoppers to buy Chinese goods tariff-free}}

"Liberation Day" speech

{{Infobox event

| title = "Liberation Day" speech

| partof = Tariffs in the second Trump administration

| image = File:President Trump Participates in the Make America Wealthy Again Event (1080p 30fps H264-128kbit AAC).webm

| caption = Footage of the speech

| date = {{start date|2025|04|02}}

| timezone =

| duration = 53 minutes

| venue = White House Rose Garden

| Location = Washington D.C., United States

| participants = Donald Trump

| footage = [https://www.c-span.org/program/white-house-event/president-trump-delivers-remarks-on-new-tariffs/658000 C-SPAN]

}}

During the speech, Trump framed the tariffs as being in response to a "national emergency," asserting they would boost domestic production and create American jobs. He stated, "We're going to start being smart, and we're going to start being very wealthy again," claiming the new policy would generate "trillions and trillions of dollars to reduce our taxes and pay down our national debt." He cited a US$1.2 trillion trade deficit from the previous year as evidence of unfair global trading practices.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-02 |title=Trump announces sweeping new tariffs to promote US manufacturing, risking inflation and trade wars |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-liberation-day-2a031b3c16120a5672a6ddd01da09933 |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=AP News |language=en}}

The president characterized his approach to the tariff implementation as "kind," explaining that the government would only charge other countries half of what administration calculations suggested he should apply based on the trade practices of the impacted nations. When describing the rates during his speech, Trump displayed a chart showing reciprocal tariff rates for U.S. trading partners. Associated White House materials indicated that calculations included assessments of "currency manipulation and trade barriers" imposed by other countries, though the specific formula was not disclosed. He offered trading partners a straightforward alternative: "Terminate your own tariffs. Drop your barriers." and summarized his tariff policy as: "If you want your tariff rate to be zero, then you build your product right here in America."

List of tariffs imposed

{{multiple image

| perrow = 2

| image1 = 2025-April-02-so-called-Reciprocal tariffs.jpg

| image2 = 2025-April-02-Reciprocal tariffs-List 2.jpg

| image3 = 2025-April-02-Reciprocal tariffs-List 3.jpg

| image4 = 2025-April-02-Reciprocal tariffs-List 4.jpg

| footer = Tables of all countries and territories affected and associated tariff rates. Note that the amounts listed as "Tariffs charged to the USA" are disputed by most economists, for instance, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, which are uninhabited.{{cite news |last1=Mitchell |first1=Ottilie |last2=Turnbull |first2=Tiffanie |date=April 4, 2025 |title='Nowhere's safe': How an island of penguins ended up on Trump tariff list |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly8xlj0485o |work=BBC News |language=en |location=Sydney |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250404115816/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly8xlj0485o |archive-date=April 4, 2025 |access-date=April 8, 2025 |quote=Heard Island, though, is barren, icy and completely uninhabited – home to Australia's largest and only active volcano, Big Ben, and mostly covered by glaciers.}} (Countries receiving the 10% tariff were not explicitly listed in the Executive Order.)

}}

[[File:Liberation Day tariffs.svg|thumb|Map of countries and territories affected by and percentages of the "Liberation Day" tariffs:

{{Legend|#4d004b|31–50%}}]]

class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"

|+Countries and territories affected by and percentages of the "Liberation Day" tariffs{{failed verification|date=April 2025}}{{Cite book |url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Annex-I.pdf |title=ANNEX I |date=April 2, 2025 |publisher=White House |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250402232746/https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Annex-I.pdf |archive-date=April 2, 2025 |url-status=live}}

!Countries and Territories imposed upon

!Percentage

|10%

|30%

|10%

|32%

|10%

|37%

|10%

|35%

|37%

|10%

|24%

|10%

|49%

|11%

|10%

|13%

|10%

|125%{{Efn|Tariff was originally 34%, but was later increased by Trump}}

|10%

|21%

|10%

|11%

|10%

|13%

|10%

|20%

|41%

|32%

|10%

|38%

|10%

|26%

|32%

|10%

|39%

|17%

|10%

|24%

|20%

|27%

|10%

|48%

|10%

|50%

|10%

|31%

|37%

|47%

|17%

|24%

|10%

|40%

|10%

|31%

|10%

|16%

|44%

|21%

|30%

|10%

|18%

|10%

|14%

|29%

|33%

|15%

|10%

|29%

|10%

|17%

|10%

|37%

|10%

|50%

|10%

|37%

|10%

|30%

|25%

|10%

|44%

|10%

|31%

|41%

|32%

|10%

|36%

|10%

|28%

|10%

|22%

|15%

|46%

|10%

|17%

|18%

Response

= Financial markets =

Financial markets generally responded negatively to the announcement. S&P 500 index futures, which had gained 0.7% during normal trading hours, tumbled more than 3% following Trump's announcement. Similarly, Japanese Nikkei 225 futures fell approximately 2%.

Financial analysts expressed surprise at the tariffs' magnitude. Head of macro strategy at Academy Securities Peter Tchir described the rates as "shockingly high compared to what people were expecting" and called the announcement "a disaster". Others suggested the high rates might represent an opening position for subsequent negotiations rather than permanent policy.

= Domestic =

Outside the White House gates following the ceremony, protestors gathered with signs depicting the Mr. Monopoly character and messages criticizing the policy as "liberating" money from consumers' wallets to benefit wealthy interests.

Senate Democrats voiced opposition to the tariffs. Oregon senator Ron Wyden characterized them as "a tax on almost everything families buy" that "won't rebuild American manufacturing or help working families get ahead." A senate resolution to end the tariffs emergency failed on a vote of 49–49, with JD Vance breaking the tie.{{Cite web |last=Boehm |first=Eric |date=2025-05-01 |title=Senate Republicans voted overwhelmingly to continue Trump's trade war |url=https://reason.com/2025/05/01/senate-republicans-voted-overwhelmingly-to-continue-trumps-trade-war/ |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=Reason.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Jasmine |title=Senate Effort to Repeal Trump's 'Liberation Day' Tariffs Fails |url=https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/senate-effort-to-repeal-trumps-liberation-day-tariffs-fails-95cd5388 |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=WSJ |language=en-US}}

The Liberty Justice Center, a public-interest law firm, sued the Trump administration in V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. Trump in a case filed on April 14, 2025. The case revolves around businesses that had their entire business model potentially upended and risked closing entirely after the executive action issued by President Trump and his potentially unconstitutional tariffs.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-14 |title=Liberty Justice Center and I File Lawsuit Challenging Trump's "Liberation Day" Tariffs |url=https://reason.com/volokh/2025/04/14/liberty-justice-center-and-i-file-lawsuit-challenging-trumps-liberation-day-tariffs/ |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=Reason.com |language=en-US}} The Court set a briefing schedule and hearing to rule on plaintiff's motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin the implementation of the "Liberation Day" tariffs. The government's response brief was filed on April 29 and the plaintiff's reply followed on May 6, 2025. The hearing on the motion for preliminary injunction and summary judgment occurred on May 13, 2025.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-13 |title=Thoughts on Today's Oral Argument in Our Case Against Trump's IEEPA Tariffs |url=https://reason.com/volokh/2025/05/13/thoughts-on-todays-oral-argument-in-our-case-against-trumps-ieepa-tariffs/ |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=Reason.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Procedural Order – #13 in V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. Donald J. Trump (Ct. Intl. Trade, 1:25-cv-00066) – CourtListener.com |url=https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69888953/13/vos-selections-inc-v-donald-j-trump/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=CourtListener |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Jansen |first=Bart |title=Small businesses call Trump's tariffs 'unlawful,' urge federal trade court to block them |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/13/federal-trade-court-trump-tariffs/83597029007/ |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Lawyer calls Trump tariffs 'unlawful' as they face 1st test against small businesses |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/trumps-tariffs-face-1st-legal-test-small-businesses/story?id=121751318 |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=ABC News |language=en}}

In Webber v. Trump, two members of the Blackfeet Nation challenged the constitutionality of tariffs imposed on Canadian goods, asserting a violation of the separation of powers and tribal treaty rights. The plaintiffs argue that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the president to impose tariffs, a power reserved to Congress. They also contend that the tariffs infringe the Jay Treaty of 1794, which guarantees Native Americans the right to cross the U.S.-Canada border without duties.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-13 |title=Blackfeet Nation Indians File Lawsuit Challenging Trump's Canada Tariffs |url=https://reason.com/volokh/2025/04/13/blackfeet-indians-file-lawsuit-challenging-trumps-canada-tariffs/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=Reason.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Webber v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 4:25-cv-00026 - CourtListener.com |url=https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69845990/webber-v-us-department-of-homeland-security/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=CourtListener |language=en-us}}

Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF), a public interest law firm brought forth Princess Awesome & Stonemaier Games v. Customs, wherein the plaintiffs contest tariffs imposed by President Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), arguing the statute does not authorize tariff measures and that such actions usurp Congress’s exclusive authority over trade. They claim the tariffs are unconstitutional, economically damaging, and represent an unlawful expansion of executive power.{{Cite web |title=Princess Awesome & Stonemaier Games v. Customs |url=https://pacificlegal.org/case/tariffs-lawsuit/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=Pacific Legal Foundation |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2025-04-25 |title=Mischief Toy Store of St. Paul joins lawsuit against Trump tariffs |url=https://www.twincities.com/2025/04/25/mischief-toy-store-st-paul-lawsuit-against-trump-tariffs/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=Twin Cities |language=en-US}}

In Learning Resources v. Trump, a case before the Federal District Court in the District of Columbia, the plaintiff, a family-owned educational toymaker, challenges the legality of President Trump’s sweeping tariffs. The complaint alleges that the administration exceeded its constitutional authority by imposing broad-based import duties without congressional approval. The plaintiff asserts the tariffs will increase its import costs by roughly 4,000%, from $2.3 million to $100 million, while also causing a 25% drop in sales. The plaintiff further argues that reshoring production to the United States is economically unfeasible and that the tariffs will cause irreparable harm to American businesses and the broader economy. The plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction is scheduled for a hearing on May 27, 2025.{{Cite web |title=LEARNING RESOURCES, INC. et al v. TRUMP et al |url=https://dockets.justia.com/docket/district-of-columbia/dcdce/1:2025cv01248/279804 |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=Justia Dockets & Filings |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-04-25 |title=A CEO with 500 workers explains why he's suing Trump over tariffs: "This path is catastrophic" - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tariffs-economy-trump-ceo-lawsuit-learning-resources-ceo-rick-woldenberg/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=LEARNING RESOURCES, INC. v. TRUMP, 1:25-cv-01248 - CourtListener.com |url=https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69927142/learning-resources-inc-v-trump/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=CourtListener |language=en-us}}

In Oregon v. Trump, the plaintiffs, the State of Oregon, along with Arizona and 11 other states, challenge the legality of President Trump’s global tariffs. Filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, the complaint asserts that Trump overstepped his constitutional authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs without congressional approval. The plaintiffs seek to have the tariffs declared unlawful, their enforcement blocked, and the executive actions rescinded. They argue that the tariffs have led to significant economic disruption, driving up prices at grocery stores and increasing utility bills, with the greatest impact on vulnerable populations.{{Cite web |last=Mangan |first=Dan |date=2025-04-23 |title=Dozen states sue Trump in bid to block new tariffs |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/23/states-sue-trump-in-bid-to-block-new-tariffs.html |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=CNBC |language=en}} Oral argument of the States' motion for summary judgment occurred on May 21, 2025. The court took issue with the government's contention that the courts have no role to play in checking the president's use of emergency economic powers under IEEPA. Judge Jane Restani summarized the government's argument as:

Nothing is so crazy or unrelated that it could be stopped by the courts. Anything is allowed. Any declaration of emergency based on some crazy thing, any remedy, as crazy as it could be, it's all okay because the courts can't do anything.{{Cite web |last=Baumhardt |first=Alex |date=2025-05-21 |title=In suit against Trump administration tariffs, states argue president exceeded powers • Oregon Capital Chronicle |url=https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/05/21/in-suit-against-trump-administration-tariffs-states-argue-president-exceeded-powers/ |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=Oregon Capital Chronicle |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-24 |title=Thoughts on the Oral Argument in the Oregon Case Against Trump's IEEPA Tariffs |url=https://reason.com/volokh/2025/05/24/thoughts-on-the-oral-argument-in-the-oregon-case-against-trumps-ieepa-tariffs/ |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=Reason.com |language=en-US}}

In Emily Ley Paper Inc. v. Trump, a Florida-based business challenged President Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports, arguing they exceeded statutory authority and violated the U.S. Constitution. The plaintiff claimed the tariffs, imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), were not necessary for addressing an emergency, but rather aimed at reducing the trade deficit and increasing federal revenue. Additionally, the company contended that IEEPA’s interpretation violated the nondelegation doctrine by giving the president excessive legislative powers.{{Cite news |date=2025-04-17 |title=The Legal Arguments Challenging Trump's Tariffs: Explained |url=https://news.bloomberglaw.com/in-house-counsel/the-legal-arguments-challenging-trumps-tariffs-explained |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250419010726/https://news.bloomberglaw.com/in-house-counsel/the-legal-arguments-challenging-trumps-tariffs-explained |archive-date=2025-04-19 |access-date=2025-04-29 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=EMILY LEY PAPER INC v. TRUMP et al |url=https://dockets.justia.com/docket/florida/flndce/3:2025cv00464/530604 |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=Justia Dockets & Filings |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=Business |title=Trump sued over tariffs by Florida stationery firm claiming 'severe' harm |url=https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/trump-sued-over-tariffs-by-florida-stationery-firm-claiming-severe-harm-125040400227_1.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250406001241/https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/trump-sued-over-tariffs-by-florida-stationery-firm-claiming-severe-harm-125040400227_1.html |archive-date=2025-04-06 |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=www.business-standard.com |language=en-US}}

Representative Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, characterized the tariffs as part of broader "chaos and dysfunction" and argued that the president should not have unilateral authority to impose such measures.

Republican leadership generally supported the president's tariff actions, while acknowledging potential short-term economic disruption. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) expressed confidence that despite initial difficulties, the policy would ultimately "make sense for Americans and help all Americans."

New York governor Kathy Hochul called the impending tariffs "nothing but a reckless tax on hard-working New Yorkers" that would severely damage the state's economy, particularly businesses dependent on Canadian tourism.

The following day, the Trade Review Act was introduced in the Senate to limit presidential power over tariffs.{{Cite news |last=Gambino |first=Lauren |date=2025-04-03 |title=Senators unveil bill to claw back power over tariffs amid Trump trade wars |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/03/senators-bipartisan-bill-trump-tariffs |access-date=2025-04-14 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} The bill was supported by a bipartisan group of senators.{{Cite web |last=Solender |first=Andrew |date=2025-04-04 |title=House Republican plans bill to let Congress block Trump tariffs |url=https://www.axios.com/2025/04/04/house-republican-plans-bill-to-let-congress-block-trump-tariffs |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=Axios |language=en}}

Former vice president Mike Pence, who served in Trump's first presidency, criticized the tariffs as the "largest peacetime tax hike in U.S. history". He also stated that they are "nearly 10x the size of those imposed during the Trump-Pence administration and will cost American families over $3,500 per year".{{Cite web|url=https://thehill.com/business/5230495-pence-trump-tariffs-economic-political-risks/|title=Pence on Trump tariffs: 'Largest peacetime tax hike in U.S. history'|work=The Hill|date=April 3, 2025|first=Brett|last=Samuels|accessdate=April 5, 2025}}

The Washington Post reported that Elon Musk made personal appeals to Trump to reverse the tariffs.{{Cite news |last1=Dwoskin |first1=Elizabeth |last2=Siddiqui |first2=Faiz |last3=Verma |first3=Pranshu |last4=Thadani |first4=Trisha |last5=Fowers |first5=Alyssa |last6=Shapiro |first6=Leslie |last7=Verde |first7=Amaya |last8=Ovide |first8=Shira |last9=Kuo |first9=Lily |date=2025-04-07 |title=Musk made direct appeals to Trump to reverse sweeping new tariffs |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/04/07/musk-trump-tariffs/ |access-date=2025-04-08 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} On April 5, Musk criticized Peter Navarro, Trump's trade advisor and one of the key official behind the tariffs, questioning his educational qualifications from Harvard on X and writing "He ain’t built shit."{{Cite web |last=Ewing |first=Giselle Ruhiyyih |date=2025-04-05 |title=Musk swipes at Navarro amid tariff turmoil |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/05/elon-musk-peter-navarro-tariffs-00006930 |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=POLITICO |language=en}} Navarro responded by saying Musk is a "car assembler" and not a "car manufacturer". In response, on April 8, Musk called Navarro "a moron" and "dumber than a sack of bricks", and said he should consult "the fake expert he invented, Ron Vara".{{Cite news |last=Pager |first=Tyler |date=2025-04-08 |title=Elon Musk Calls Peter Navarro a 'Moron' in Escalating Tariff Fight |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/08/us/politics/musk-navarro-tariffs-fight.html |access-date=2025-04-08 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

== Business organizations ==

American experts and business organizations raised concerns about potential inflationary effects and supply chain disruptions. The National Retail Federation issued a statement warning that the tariffs would "cause more anxiety and uncertainty for American businesses and consumers," emphasizing that U.S. importers, not foreign countries or suppliers, would bear the initial financial burden.

The National Association of Manufacturers expressed concern that the large scale of the tariffs would threaten jobs, supply chains, investment, which in turn would threaten "America's ability to outcompete other nations and lead as the preeminent manufacturing superpower."

The National Restaurant Association similarly predicted that tariffs at the scale they were presented would create "change and disruption" restaurant owners would have difficulty with bearing to keep their businesses open, noting that food and packaging costs would likely increase.

Economic experts from the libertarian Cato Institute think tank warned that the tariff levels approached those of the 1930 Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act, legislation widely believed to have exacerbated the Great Depression.

= International =

{{flagcountry|Argentina}} – President Javier Milei, a strong supporter of Trump, celebrated the tariffs imposed on Argentina by posting Queen's "Friends Will Be Friends" on his Twitter account, suggesting that the country obtained the lowest percentage of 10% because of his alleged friendship with the U.S. president.{{cite web|url=https://www.perfil.com/noticias/politica/el-tuit-de-javier-milei-con-una-cancion-de-la-banda-inglesa-queen-en-pleno-2-de-abril-que-genero-criticas-y-desconcierto.phtml|work=Perfil|language=es|accessdate=3 April 2025|date=3 April 2025|title=El provocativo tuit de Javier Milei en pleno 2 de abril: celebró a Trump con una canción de la banda inglesa Queen}} The post generated controversy in Argentina, because he chose to share music from an English band on the same day of the Argentine public holiday of the Day of the Veterans and Fallen of the Malvinas [Falklands] War.{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/agencias/2025/04/03/milei-elige-la-cancion-amigos-seran-amigos-tras-anuncio-de-trump-de-subida-de-aranceles|language=es|publisher=Infobae|accessdate=3 April 2025|date=3 April 2025|title=Milei elige la canción 'Amigos serán Amigos' tras anuncio de Trump de subida de aranceles}} Although several Milei officials claim that the 10% tariffs are preferential treatment to Argentina, Trump announced the same percentage for left-leaning political rivals in the region such as Brazil, Chile and Colombia.{{cite web |last=Carlesso |first=Agostina |date=3 April 2025 |title=Sudamérica reacciona a los aranceles de Trump: la crítica de Boric, el festejo de Milei y la advertencia de Petro |trans-title=South America reacts to Trump's tariffs: Boric's criticism, Milei's celebration, and Petro's warning |url=https://www.newsweek.com.ar/el-mundo/sudamerica-reacciona-a-los-aranceles-de-trump-la-critica-de-boric-el-festejo-de-milei-y-la-advertencia-de-petro/ |accessdate=3 April 2025 |work=Newsweek Argentina |publisher=Newsweek |language=es}}
{{flagcountry|Australia}} – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the United States' implementation of 10% tariffs on Australia had "no basis in logic," arguing that "a true reciprocal tariff would have been zero percent". He described the action as "not the act of a friend", but indicated Australia would not immediately impose retaliatory measures. When hearing that Heard Island and McDonald Islands also got hit by tariffs despite not being inhabited, Albanese quipped that "nowhere on Earth is safe".{{Cite news |last1=Lyons |first1=Kate |last2=Evershed |first2=Nick |date=2025-04-03 |title='Nowhere on Earth is safe': Trump imposes tariffs on uninhabited islands near Antarctica |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/03/donald-trump-tariffs-antarctica-uninhabited-heard-mcdonald-islands |access-date=2025-04-17 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}
{{flagcountry|Bangladesh}} – On April 5, Chief Advisor of Bangladeshi Interim Government, Muhammad Yunus, called off an emergency meeting of experts, advisors and related officials in his residence to discuss over the tariff issue.{{cite web|title=মার্কিন শুল্ক ইস্যু নিয়ে জরুরি বৈঠক ডেকেছেন প্রধান উপদেষ্টা|url=https://www.dhakapost.com/national/355517|website=Dhaka Post|date=5 April 2025}} Following the meeting, decisions were made to increase import for reducing trade deficit with the US.{{cite web|title=মার্কিন শুল্ক ইস্যুতে জরুরি বৈঠকে যেসব সিদ্ধান্ত হলো|url=https://www.somoynews.tv/news/2025-04-05/7AK3F1Av|website=Somoy TV|date=5 April 2025}}{{cite web|title=বাণিজ্য ঘাটতি কমিয়ে যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের শুল্ক মোকাবিলা করবে বাংলাদেশ|url=https://www.dainikshiksha.com/bn/news/bangladesh-to-counter-us-tariffs-by-reducing-trade-deficit-297434|website=Daily Shiksha|date=5 April 2025}} On April 7, Yunus sent a personal letter to President Trump requesting a three-month postponement of the decision, highlighting initiatives to reduce trade deficit with the US.{{cite web|title=ট্রাম্পকে ইউনূসের চিঠি, বাড়তি শুল্ক ৩ মাস স্তগিতের অনুরোধ|url=https://bangla.bdnews24.com/business/cbf35e3fe84c|website=bdnews24.com|date=7 April 2025}}
{{flagcountry|Brazil}} – The Foreign Ministry of Brazil stated that the announced 10% tariff did not "reflect reality," claiming that the United States had a $410 billion trade surplus with Brazil over 15 years.
{{flagcountry|Cambodia}} – In a formal letter, prime minister Hun Manet announced a reduction in trade import tariffs for US products, requested for negotiations to be opened, and for tariffs be postponed.{{Cite web |last=Horng |first=Pengly |date=2025-04-06 |title=Cambodia is open to negotiation with US over tariff hike, offers to slash import duties - Khmer Times |url=https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501665863/cambodia-is-open-to-negotiation-with-us-over-tariff-hike-offers-to-slash-import-duties/ |access-date=2025-04-08 |language=en-US}}
{{flagcountry|Canada}} – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada would be ready to place "retaliatory measures" for any "additional measures put against Canada."{{cite web |last1=Vieira |first1=Paul |title=Canada Ready to Retaliate Against 'Liberation Day' Tariffs, Carney Says |url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/trump-tariffs-trade-war-stock-market-04-01-2025/card/canada-ready-to-retaliate-against-liberation-day-tariffs-carney-says-Z38mPvi5TIY99F7DLEVw |website=Wall Street Journal |access-date=3 April 2025}}
{{flagcountry|Chile}} – President Gabriel Boric expressed "regret over the unilateral imposition of tariffs" during a meeting with business leaders in India, stating that his team is analyzing the consequences of this measure, that it is not specifically aimed at Chile, and that they evaluate opportunities to diversify trade and reduce dependence on external decisions, noting that key products like copper and wood are not included for now.
{{flagcountry|China}} – The Chinese government issued a measured statement warning that protectionism leads to "nowhere", and that there are no winners in trade wars. On April 4, the State Council Tariff Commission announced retaliatory tariffs of 34%, effective April 10, which were increased to 84% after the United States imposed an additional 50% tariff on April 9.{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Juliana |last2=Gan |first2=Nectar |title=China imposes 34% reciprocal tariffs on imports of US goods in retaliation for Trump's trade war |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/04/business/china-us-tariffs-retaliation-hnk-intl/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=9 April 2025 |date=4 April 2025}}{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Juliana |last2=Gan |first2=Nectar |title=China announces 84% retaliatory tariffs on US goods |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/09/business/china-us-tariffs-retaliation-hnk-intl/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=9 April 2025 |date=9 April 2025}} On April 11, upon another round of tariff hikes, the Ministry of Finance raised the tariff rate to 125% starting from April 12 and stated that it would ignore further escalations as United States goods were "no longer marketable in China."{{cite web |last1=Xiao |first1=Josh |title=China Caps Tariffs on US at 125%, Calls Trump Levies a 'Joke' |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-11/china-raises-tariffs-on-us-goods-to-125-in-retaliation |website=Bloomberg |access-date=12 April 2025 |date=11 April 2025}} On May 12, officials from the U.S. and China agreed to drastically reduce for 90 days the tariff rates, from 145% to 30% and 125% to 10% respectively, while further negotiations and discussions are held.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-12 |title=Joint Statement on U.S.-China Economic and Trade Meeting in Geneva |url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/05/joint-statement-on-u-s-china-economic-and-trade-meeting-in-geneva/ |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=The White House |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2025-05-12 |title=Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates to Reflect Discussions with the People's Republic of China |url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/05/modifying-reciprocal-tariff-rates-to-reflect-discussions-with-the-peoples-republic-of-china/ |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=The White House |language=en-US}}
{{flagcountry|European Union}} – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned Trump's planned tariffs on the European Union, saying they were a "major blow" and that Europe is "prepared to respond."{{cite web |last1=Starcevic |first1=Seb |last2=Gijs |first2=Camille |title=Europe slams 'illegal' Trump tariffs, vows unified response |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-donald-trump-tariffs-liberation-day-reaction/ |website=POLITICO |access-date=3 April 2025 |date=3 April 2025}}
{{Flag|Indonesia}} - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that Indonesia would not retaliate against the tariffs, stating they would pursue diplomacy and negotiations with the United States, as well as finding ways to increase trade with European countries as an alternative.{{Cite web |title=Indonesia will not retaliate against Trump tariff: Airlangga - Regulations |url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2025/04/07/indonesia-will-not-retaliate-against-trump-tariff-airlangga.html |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=The Jakarta Post |language=en}}
{{flagcountry|Ireland}} – Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin stated that there was "no justification" for the measures, and called for a "proportionate" EU response.
{{flagcountry|Israel}} – Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich revealed that he was planning on discussing the protection of his country's economy from the 17% tariff with other ministry officials.
{{flagcountry|Italy}} – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni characterized the EU-targeted tariffs as "wrong" and pledged to work toward an agreement to prevent a mutually damaging trade conflict.
{{flagcountry|Japan}} – Japanese Trade Minister Yoji Muto said that the tariffs are "extremely regrettable" and said that Japan would "continue to urge the US to exempt Japan from these tariffs."{{cite web |last1=Bharade |first1=Aditi |last2=Tan |first2=Kwan Wei Kevin |date=3 April 2025 |title='Extremely regrettable' and 'totally unwarranted': World leaders react to Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/world-leaders-react-to-trumps-liberation-day-tariffs-2025-4 |access-date=3 April 2025 |website=Business Insider}}
{{Flagcountry|Malaysia}} – Prime minister Anwar Ibrahim announced he would coordinate a regional response in his capacity as ASEAN Chair, and discussed the tariffs with counterparts from Vietnam and Indonesia. Malaysia initially did not implement retaliatory measures.{{Cite news |last=L |first= |date=2025-04-07 |title=Malaysia calls for collective Asean tariff response |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2997454/malaysia-calls-for-collective-asean-tariff-response |access-date=2025-04-08 |work=Bangkok Post |language=en}}
{{flagcountry|Poland}} – In a Twitter post, Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk responded to Trump's announcement by stating that "Friendship means partnership. Partnership means really and truly mutual duties. Adequate decisions are needed."{{Cite web |title=Donald Trump introduced tariffs. There is a reaction of Prime Minister Tusk.(Donald Trump wprowadził cła. Jest reakcja premiera Tuska.) |url=https://www.polsatnews.pl/wiadomosc/2025-04-03/donald-trump-wprowadzil-cla-jest-reakcja-premiera-tuska/ |website=Polsat News |access-date=3 April 2025 |date=3 April 2025}}{{Cite web |title=Tusk: This is a severe and unpleasant blow.(Tusk: to cios dotkliwy i przykry.) |url=https://tvn24.pl/biznes/z-kraju/tusk-o-clach-cios-dotkliwy-i-przykry-st8393938 |website=TVN24 |access-date=3 April 2025 |date=3 April 2025}}
{{flagcountry|Russia}} – On 9 April, Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk implied that the tariffs would have no significant impact on Russia due to preexisting sanctions preventing major trade with the United States.{{Cite web|url=https://tass.ru/politika/23632159|title=Оверчук: момент для введения Трампом пошлин "выбран идеально"|website=TACC}} Overchuk additionally described the tariffs as a form of deglobalization, claiming that globalization was designed as a Western buffer against Soviet dominance during the Cold War.{{Cite web|url=https://iz.ru/1867510/semen-boikov/bolshaya-evraziya-budet-integrirovatsya|title="Большая Евразия будет интегрироваться"|work=Известия |date=April 9, 2025}}
{{flagcountry|Singapore}} – Trade minister Gan Kim Yong announced that his country would not impose retaliatory tariffs against the United States because of concerns regarding price imports to Singapore.
{{flagcountry|South Korea}} – Industry minister Ahn Duk-geun said that the acting president Han Duck-soo implemented emergency measures for businesses affected by the 25% tariff.{{cite web|date=3 April 2025|title=Trump tariffs: List of global responses and countermeasures|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/trump-tariffs-draw-global-promises-counter-measures-2025-04-03/|access-date=6 April 2025}}
{{flagcountry|Spain}} – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called Trump's decision "an unprecedented measure that is a unilateral attack on global trade relations", and stressed that "protectionism is not a smart way to face challenges".{{Cite web |date=2025-04-03 |title=Sánchez tacha de grave la guerra comercial con Trump y propone ayudas |url=https://es.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/04/03/sanchez-advierte-que-espana-tejera-una-red-de-proteccion-a-los-sectores-afectados-por-los- |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=euronews |language=es}} He also announced "the immediate deployment" of a $14.1 billion Business Response and Revival Plan to mitigate the damage of US tariffs.{{Cite web |title=Pedro Sánchez anuncia el despliegue inmediato de un Plan de Respuesta y Relanzamiento Comercial de 14.100 millones para mitigar el impacto de los aranceles de EEUU |url=https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/presidente/actividades/Paginas/2025/030425-sanchez-encuentro-respuesta-aranceles.aspx |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=www.lamoncloa.gob.es |language=es}}
{{flagcountry|Switzerland}} – Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter announced that Switzerland "has taken note" of the 31% tariff and would "quickly determine how to proceed," emphasizing that the nation's "long-term economic interests are paramount" while maintaining that "loyalty to international law and free trade remain core values."
{{flagcountry|Taiwan}} – Taiwan's cabinet referred to Trump's tariffs toward it as "deeply unreasonable," stating that they did not understand the calculations behind the 32% tariff and would seek to discuss them in talks in Washington.{{cite web|last=Blanchard|first=Ben|date=3 April 2025|title=Taiwan says US tariffs unreasonable, partly blames Trump policies for trade surplus|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/taiwan-us-driver-shared-prosperity-us-business-group-says-after-tariffs-2025-04-03/|access-date=6 April 2025}} On April 6, President William Lai delivered a video speech saying that the government will make a negotiation with the USA to attempt to decrease the tariff rate, and give necessary support to the industries that the tariff policy impacts.{{cite web|author=張文馨 (Chang, Wen-hsin)|date=6 April 2025|title=「無意報復對等關稅」賴清德祭5策略因應: 台美從零關稅談起|work=United Daily News|url=https://udn.com/news/story/124438/8656248/|access-date=6 April 2025}} On April 7, Premier Cho Jung-tai convened a meeting with leaders of both ruling and opposition legislative caucuses at the Executive Yuan to discuss the impact of the U.S. tariff increases on Taiwan.{{Cite web |title=行政、立法共同會商因應美國關稅政策全力穩定國家經濟及產業發展|url=https://www.ey.gov.tw/Page/9277F759E41CCD91/e08fa77c-c9d4-4f12-868b-3c735baea4b0 |website=www.ey.gov.tw |date=2025-04-07 |language=zh |access-date=2025-04-08}}
{{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} – Prime minister Keir Starmer said that he planned on negotiating for a trade deal with the United States and that he did not want his country to be in a trade war.
{{VNM}} – The country's Ministry of Industry and Trade stated that Trump's 46% reciprocal tariff is "unfair" and "lacking scientific basis", citing that Vietnam's actual average MFN tariff rate for imported goods stands at just 9.4%, contradicting to the White House's accusation of 90%.{{Cite web |last=Dung |first=Phuong |date=2025-04-03 |title=Trade ministry says Trump's 46% reciprocal tariff on Vietnam 'unfair' |url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/economy/trade-ministry-says-trump-s-46-reciprocal-tariff-on-vietnam-unfair-4869746.html |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=VnExpress}} Meanwhile, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính summoned an emergency meeting with his cabinet and assigned two of his deputies to head a rapid response task force and a government's special envoy to deal with the American administration.{{Cite web |last= |date=2025-04-03 |title=Viet Nam calls on U.S. to adopt policies that align with bilateral relationship: Prime Minister |url=https://en.baochinhphu.vn/cabinet-convenes-meeting-following-trump-administrations-announcement-of-newest-tariffs-111250403141937313.htm |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=en.baochinhphu.vn |publisher=Government of Vietnam |language=}} In a phone call with Trump, the general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Tô Lâm offered a "0%" tariff on American goods in exchange for lowering and eliminating tariffs against Vietnam, which Trump praised in a Truth Social post.{{Cite web |last=VNA |author-link=Vietnam News Agency |date=2025-04-04 |title=Vietnamese Party chief holds phone talks with US President |url=https://en.nhandan.vn/vietnamese-party-chief-holds-phone-talks-with-us-president-post146204.html |access-date=2025-04-04 |website=Nhân Dân |publisher=Communist Party of Vietnam |quote=The Party chief affirmed that Vietnam is ready to negotiate with the US to reduce import tax to 0% for goods imported from the US, and at the same time, proposed the US apply a similar tax rate to products imported from Vietnam...}}{{Cite web |last=Trump |first=Donald J. |author-link=Donald Trump |date=2025-04-04 |title=Call with To Lam |url=https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114280292618523684 |access-date=2025-04-04 |website=Truth Social |language=en |quote=Just had a very productive call with To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, who told me that Vietnam wants to cut their Tariffs down to ZERO if they are able to make an agreement with the U.S. I thanked him on behalf of our Country, and said I look forward to a meeting in the near future.}}