The Perfect Holiday Gift Gift Now

Trump unveils reciprocal tariffs plan targeting friends and foes

The Straits Times

|

February 15, 2025

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

Trump unveils reciprocal tariffs plan targeting friends and foes

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.

MEER VERHALEN VAN The Straits Times

The Straits Times

ATTACKING HELPS LEONARD LOCK IN

Celtics have to deal with inspiring Clippers star who gets focus from playing aggressively

time to read

3 mins

January 04, 2026

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

LOH AND TEH CAN WIN MORE TITLES: COACH

Kim backs them for a better 2026, urges composure, consistency at Malaysia Open

time to read

3 mins

January 04, 2026

The Straits Times

Soaring prices spark gold rush for new generation of fortune hunters in Australia

In the hinterlands of Australia’s historic goldfields, Ms Vicki Plumridge jumps for joy when she digs a small golden nugget out of the earth.

time to read

3 mins

January 04, 2026

The Straits Times

Two new family service centres to open in Tengah and Bukit Panjang

Two new family service centres (FSCs) are expected to open in Tengah and Bukit Panjang by 2027, bringing the total number of such community-based centres to 51.

time to read

3 mins

January 04, 2026

The Straits Times

Gimmie Rules will be hard to get past on current form

Jan 4 South Africa (Kenilworth) preview

time to read

1 min

January 04, 2026

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

F&B scene: More fast food coming your way

The year 2026 is shaping up to be a full one for fans of fast food, with the arrival of three global brands.

time to read

5 mins

January 04, 2026

The Straits Times

Cambodia accuses Thailand of annexing border village

Cambodia said on Jan 2 that Thai forces had taken control of a disputed border village, accusing Thailand of \"annexing\" the area after a truce halted deadly fighting along their contested frontier a week ago.

time to read

1 min

January 04, 2026

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Retail: Rise of Chinese fashion and beauty brands

When thinking of the first market outside China for his massive network of upscale clothing stores, Mr Jin Chenhao knew the answer was clear: Singapore.

time to read

2 mins

January 04, 2026

The Straits Times

Movies: Nostalgia the new normal

In 2026, the torrent of sequels will continue as Hollywood studios limp along in survival mode.

time to read

3 mins

January 04, 2026

The Straits Times

Military-backed party in Myanmar takes lead in first phase of election

Myanmar's military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is leading after the first phase of a contentious general election, early results cited by the state media showed, in the first vote since a 2021 coup.

time to read

2 mins

January 04, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size