The United States has introduced a new round of tariffs affecting dozens of countries worldwide, set to come into force on August 7, just hours before the expiration of the trade negotiation deadline. The announcement was made through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which introduces sweeping measures for nations with existing trade agreements with the U.S., aiming to both reinforce strategic partnerships and penalize those deemed uncooperative.
The move includes a reaffirmation of strengthened trade terms with allies such as the European Union, while notably imposing harsher penalties on Canada. Despite political friction and a lack of unanimous support within Europe, the bilateral trade arrangement reached between President Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland remains intact. Under this deal, the EU retains a 15 percent tariff rate, while Japan’s tariff is confirmed at 15 percent and the United Kingdom’s at 10 percent.
Canada, however, has been hit with a significant increase in duties—from 25 percent to 35 percent—described by the administration as a response to Ottawa’s continued retaliation and lack of constructive engagement. In response, Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney “not to back down.” Switzerland has also seen a steeper tariff hike than previously announced, reaching 39 percent, up from the rate set in April.
India’s imports will remain subject to a 25 percent tariff, while South Korea’s rate stands at 15 percent. Among the harshest penalties is Syria, whose goods will now be taxed at a record 41 percent. Brazil, already facing a 10 percent tariff, will now incur an additional 40 percent on selected products, a measure the administration links to political developments in the country—specifically the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro—which U.S. officials characterize as retaliatory pressure on President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The executive order also introduces a blanket 10 percent tariff on imports from most nations, excluding 92 countries listed in an annex where higher rates will apply. Notably, Kosovo is not among the countries affected, indicating either an exemption or continued access to favorable trade terms with the United States.
In an added enforcement provision, the order establishes a 40 percent tariff on any good identified by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as having been re-routed through third countries to avoid higher tariffs. This measure targets practices in which products manufactured in China are re-exported via intermediary nations under new packaging or labeling to bypass existing restrictions.
President Trump first unveiled the tariff initiative in April, prompting significant reactions across global markets. Its implementation was temporarily suspended to allow for trade renegotiations with key partners such as the United Kingdom and the European Union. With the deadline now passed, the administration is moving ahead decisively with what it describes as a recalibration of the global trade order in favor of U.S. interests.
