Egypt Daily News – U.S. President Donald Trump announced the imposition of a 25% tariff on imported cars. He also declared tariffs of 20% on European goods and 34% on Chinese products. European reactions have started to come in, with expressions of regret, but also readiness for dialogue and reciprocal treatment. Below is a list of the tariffs.
In his announcement, Trump confirmed that he had signed a decree to impose reciprocal tariffs on all countries at the same rates they impose on American goods.
In his speech, Trump stated that these measures would help “Make America Great Again.” He described the day as historic because it marks the achievement of economic independence for the country, calling it a “day of liberation.”
Starting at midnight U.S. time, a 25% tariff will be imposed on all foreign cars. He explained that the United States had been charging only a 2.5% tariff on foreign cars, while the European Union had imposed a 10% tariff.
Under these new tariffs, trade arrangements dating back to 1947 are effectively considered ended.
Trump’s new tariffs are expected to cover around $600 billion worth of imported car parts and computers.
Trump stated that his country has been “plundered” for decades by friendly nations. The tariffs he imposed vary by country: 20% on the European Union, 34% on China, 24% on Japan, 31% on Switzerland, 46% on Vietnam, 32% on Taiwan, and 26% on India.
The Swedish government expressed regret over the path the United States has taken, stressing that it does not want increasing trade barriers or a trade war. They added, “This will make our people poorer and make the world more dangerous in the long term.”
German Member of the European Parliament Manfred Weber commented on Trump’s speech, saying, “To our American friends, today is not a day of liberation—it’s a day of resentment.” He described Trump’s tariff definitions as “not defending fair trade, but attacking it out of fear, harming both sides of the Atlantic.” He concluded his post by stating, “Europe is ready to defend its interests, and is open to fair and firm dialogue.”
