Donald Trump signs his plan for reciprocal tariffs - but with a delay
President Donald Trump on Thursday signed his plan for reciprocal tariffs but delayed their implementation as his administration launches negotiations on a one-by-one basis with nations that could be impacted.
"The Plan shall ensure comprehensive fairness and balance across the international trading system," read the memorandum signed by Trump.
Up first is India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to visit the White House later this afternoon for a series of meetings. Modi may try to use issues like energy as a means to blunt the tariff impact in his country.
Trump offered Thursday that he didn't expect any exemptions or waivers. He also charged that India has more tariffs than any other country as he also waved away questions about whether the move would raise prices on Americans.
"I will charge a reciprocal tariff, meaning whatever countries charge the United States of America, we will charge them," Trump himself added in a back and forth with reporters, adding "this is an amazing day."
Trump and incoming Commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, who was standing at his side, promised that the coming duties will be customized by country.
The studies of each country could be completed by April 1, Lutnick said, adding that then "we'll hand the president the opportunity" to start implementing them as soon as on April 2.
National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told reporters earlier this week that Lutnick had already begun discussing reciprocal tariffs with other countries.
Lutnick, who is still awaiting final Senate confirmation, will likely be joined in the talks soon by Jamieson Greer, Trump pick for trade representative, who is also working his way through the Senate’s confirmation process.
Thursday action came after the president announced new 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum earlier this week and imposed 10% duties on China last week over issues of illegal drugs and migration.
The eventual implementation of these duties could eventually impact a wide array of nations from Asia to South America.
Nations from India to Brazil to South Korea have long charged higher average duties on various goods than the US with Trump and his aides also suggesting what they see as non-tariffs barriers could be subject to reciprocity.
Trump also said on Thursday that the new duties will consider value-added taxes as ones that will be subject to tariffs. A focus on that issue is likely to be a sizable stumbling block in relations with the European Union.
During his back and forth, Trump called the EU "brutal" on trade.