Trump unveils reciprocal tariffs plan targeting friends and foes

Proposals for each trading partner set to be ready by April 1, could take effect on April 2

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US President Donald Trump inked plans on Feb 13 for sweeping "reciprocal tariffs" that could hit both allies and competitors, in a dramatic escalation of an international trade war that economists warn could fuel inflation at home.

Since taking office, Mr Trump has announced a broad range of tariffs targeting some of America's biggest trading partners, arguing that they would help tackle unfair practices - and in some cases using the threats to influence policy.

Mr Trump said in the Oval Office on Feb 13 he had decided to impose reciprocal duties, telling reporters that US allies were often "worse than our enemies" on trade.

"Whatever countries charge the United States of America, we will charge them," Mr Trump added.

In particular, he called the European Union "absolutely brutal" in trade ties with Washington.

The levies would be tailored to each US trading partner and consider the tariffs they impose on American goods, alongside taxes seen as "discriminatory", such as value-added taxes (VATS), a White House official said on condition of anonymity.

With the memo Mr Trump signed on Feb 13, officials including the US trade representative and commerce secretary will propose remedies on a country-by-country basis.