The President of the United States imposes reciprocal tariffs with immediate effect on 183 countries

On April 2, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to impose reciprocal tariffs on goods imported into U.S. territory.

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The foregoing, based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) considering that economic practices have created a national emergency, and the imposition of these tariffs is required to strengthen the international economic position of the United States and protect its workers.

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Through this order, a general tariff of 10% is imposed on all countries, which will be effective as of April 5, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT.

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A higher individualized tariff will also be imposed on countries with which the United States has the largest trade deficits. This tariff will be in effect on April 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT.

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Among the countries on which a higher tariff was imposed are the following:
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• Vietnam with a tariff of 46%.
• China with a 34% tariff.
• Taiwan with a 32% tariff.
• India with a 26% tariff.
• Japan with a 24% tariff.
• European Union with a 20% tariff.
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The goods that are not subject to the reciprocal tariff are the following:
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1. items subject to 50 U.S.C. 1702(b) e.g., donations for humanitarian purposes;
2. steel/aluminum articles and automobiles/auto parts that are already subject to Section 232 tariffs;
3. copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and wooden articles;
4. all items that may be subject to future Section 232 tariffs;
5. bullions; and
6. energy and other minerals not available in the United States.
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With respect to Mexico and Canada, existing IEEPA orders on fentanyl/migration remain in effect and are not affected by this order.

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This means that goods that comply with the USMCA rules of origin will continue to be exempt from tariffs. Otherwise, they will be subject to a tariff of 25%.

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Energy and potash that do not comply with the USMCA will be subject to a 10% tariff.

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In the event that the issues of fentanyl and migration are controlled, goods that comply with the USMCA would continue to receive preferential treatment, while goods that do not comply with the USMCA would be subject to a reciprocal tariff of 12%.

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It should be noted that the tariffs announced on cars produced outside the United States will come into force this Thursday, April 3 (25% tariff), in addition to the tariffs already imposed on steel and aluminum (25% tariff).

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Several countries have spoken out on tariffs and retaliatory measures in the face of the announcement of these tariffs, except for Mexico, which has not yet made a statement.

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Our Firm can advise on compliance with USMCA rules of origin so that goods exported to the U.S. are exempt from tariffs.