The administration of President Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitment to a reference rate of 10% on almost all imports, signaling a new era in American trade relations which favors protectionism and bilateral negotiation.
The decision, confirmed by the press secretary of the White House, Karoline Leavitt, comes in the midst of the uncertainty of global trade and the growing concerns of international trade and national businesses.
Speaking during a briefing on Friday, Leavitt said: “The president is attached to the reference rate of 10% – not only for the United Kingdom, but also for his trade negotiations with all other countries.”
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When asked if the price was intended to be permanent, she replied: “The president is determined to continue this reference rate of 10%. I just talked to him earlier. ”
Since its introduction on April 2, the reference rate has become the anchor of the wider commercial doctrine of Trump, superimposed at the top of a series of more aggressive measures targeting specific countries and industries. The administration has raised prices on Chinese imports at 145% staggering, interrupted certain specific prices in the country for 90 days and exempted certain rights electronics, while keeping the general prices at 10% intact.
This tariff position has already shaped negotiations with key allies. Trump announced its first post-flower trade agreement on Thursday with the United Kingdom. The agreement includes a reduction in American prices on British car exports from 27.5% to 10% and the abolition of prices on British steel. In return, the United Kingdom has agreed to reduce prices on American agricultural exports, including beef and ethanol. However, Leavitt clearly indicated that “the basic line of 10% remains in place at all levels”.
Trump’s approach to China was notably more volatile. Although he said earlier in the week that he would not plan to relieve the prices on Beijing, he seemed to soften this position a few days later. In a social post, Trump suggested that the 145% rate on Chinese products “could drop considerably” and mentions a possible reduction of “around 80%”. The contradiction drew a meticulous examination of observers trying to decipher the ultimate administration strategy.
Meanwhile, trade experts and economists are looking unhealthy. Trump’s prices, in particular 10%levy, have disrupted global supply chains and sparked significant market reactions. Since the announcement in early April, investors have attacked volatility and businesses have been worried about long -term predictability in their international operations.
Negotiations with other nations are also underway, with the Trump team looking for tailor -made agreements. However, the fixed law of 10% remains a collision point, complicating the talks for countries hoping to negotiate favorable exemptions or conditions. According to sources close to the discussions in progress, several governments have raised objections to the uniform price, considering it as an blunt instrument which does not take into account nuanced commercial relations.
The tariff policy highlights the broader Trump message of economic nationalism. During his campaign and in his presidency, Trump has always argued that the United States had been treated unjustly in world trade and promised to use prices as a lever effect to reset these dynamics.
But criticism warns that such a large price is likely to isolate the American economy and invite reprisals. In 2018 and 2019, during the previous Trump pricing battles, notably with China, American farmers and manufacturers underwent losses in the midst of the tariffs of Tit-For-Tat and disrupted trade flows.
The situation remains fluid. Trump said that his administration was open to the adjustment of specific prices according to negotiations, but insists that the rate of 10% serves as a basis for equity.
“We have finished enjoying,” he wrote in a recent social article of truth. “The 10% price is to level the rules of the game.”
In this context, the price of 10% has become the new standard, influencing the responses of global partners while companies are preparing for cost adjustments. However, it is not clear if the prices will ultimately provide the desired economic gains or will continue to deepen global trade tensions.
