Trump says US will impose reciprocal tariffs on all countries: ‘We’re going to be much nicer’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said on Sunday, March 30, that his administration will impose reciprocal tariffs starting with all countries while triggering a radical shift in international trade policy.

While speaking aboard Air Force One, before promising "Liberation Day" on April 2, Trump said that these tariffs would be applied universally, changing his earlier plans to target only select nations, per Guardian.

Donald Trump says US will impose reciprocal tariffs on all countries

Donald Trump told reporters mid-flight, "We would start with all countries, so let’s see what happens."

He signaled a blanket approach that many economists fear could spark a global trade war.

Washington had earlier considered reciprocal tariffs aimed at countries having large trade imbalances or those imposing duties on American goods, per the outlet.

However, the POTUS' recent stance ended these distinctions and introduced a sweeping policy that would gradually affect all countries equally.

Trump justified his decision and said, "They ripped us off like no country has ever been ripped off in history, and we’re going to be much nicer to them than they were to us. But it’s substantial money for the country nevertheless."

Trump announced this as part of his long-standing promise to restore economic dominance to the US by penalizing countries that are perceived to exploit the country's trade policies.

Washington had imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Mexico and Canada, and 10 per cent on China from February 1. Beijing denounced the move as a "serious violation" of international trade norms and asked the US to “engage in frank dialogue and strengthen cooperation".

Additionally, more tariffs are expected to hit automobile imports from Thursday, April 3, with additional duties looming over foreign computer chips, pharmaceuticals, and even oil imports from Venezuela.

For weeks now, Trump has promoted Wednesday, April 2, as “Liberation Day” in the US when several massive tariffs will be announced to fulfill the administration’s economic agenda, according to CNN.

Trump will unveil his tariff plan on Wednesday during the first Rose Garden press conference of his second term, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt informed reporters on Monday, March 31.

Internet slams Donald Trump over reciprocal tariffs on all countries

Several social media users slammed Donald Trump as he said that his administration will impose tariffs on all countries while triggering a radical shift in international trade policy.

A user wrote on X, "That would be really devastating for the world economy", while one added, "He changes his mind every hour if not every minute."

A person said, "China is very grateful for this decision. If American goods were already having difficulty competing with them, imagine what it would be like with reciprocal tariffs. 

Another mentioned, "The fall of the American empire will be a riveting saga."

A user wrote, "He really needs to go before he keeps sinking the planet’s economy amongst other things… where are European leaders and Billionaires that should make it happen?"

One commented, "We already saw what happened in 1929. Dumbest administration ever."

A person added, "With all these, the foundation of a third term will be destroyed because no countries will support him anymore."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.