Trump Targets 69 Countries With New Tariffs: 35% on Canadian Imports, Up to 41% on Others

In a sweeping move likely to shake global trade dynamics, U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday (July 31, 2025) issued an executive order levying higher import duties on 69 countries, including key allies and trading partners. The newly announced tariffs range from 10% to 41%, with Canadian goods hit with a 35% duty, one of the highest under the order.

The tariffs are set to take effect in seven days, unless affected nations enter new bilateral negotiations or secure exemptions through a U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) review process.

What the Executive Order Says

The executive order mandates adjusted reciprocal tariff rates that Trump claims are necessary to correct “decades of one-sided trade” and eliminate the U.S. trade deficit, which now exceeds $900 billion annually, according to the White House.

Under the new structure:

• 35% tariffs will apply to Canadian agricultural, automotive, and industrial goods.

• European Union countries will face tariffs between 20% and 38%, depending on product classification.

• Chinese electronics and manufactured items will be taxed at 41%, the highest rate imposed.

• India, Vietnam, Mexico, and Brazil will also face tariffs ranging from 25% to 33%.

• Pharmaceutical and medical equipment imports from the UK and Switzerland will be taxed at 15% to 18%.

“The United States can no longer afford to subsidize the growth of other nations at the expense of our workers, our farmers, and our future,” Trump declared at a press conference in Washington.

Canada: From Trade Ally to Target

The 35% tariff slapped on Canadian goods has triggered alarm across business and political circles in Ottawa. Canada is one of the largest trading partners of the U.S., with over $700 billion in annual two-way trade. The Trump administration cited Canadian subsidies in dairy, timber, and automotive sectors as justification for the punitive measure.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, responding to the announcement, said:

“This action is unjustified and harmful. We will work with our allies and trade bodies to protect Canadian interests.”

Canadian exporters, especially in dairy, auto parts, aluminum, and wood, are likely to be hit hardest.

Global Reactions: Strong Pushback Expected

This broad application of trade penalties has sparked swift condemnation from multiple quarters:

• The European Commission called the executive order a "blatant violation of WTO norms" and is considering retaliatory tariffs.

• China’s Commerce Ministry said it will “firmly oppose the unilateral action”, warning of countermeasures.

• India’s Ministry of Commerce expressed “serious concern”, stating that ongoing trade talks may be jeopardized.

• Mexico and South Korea announced emergency meetings with business leaders and diplomats to assess economic impact.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is expected to be approached by multiple countries challenging the legality of the tariffs.

Impact on U.S. Consumers and Industries

While Trump claims the policy will "revive American manufacturing", economists and trade analysts warn that the costs of imported goods will likely rise sharply, including for everyday items like electronics, clothes, vehicles, and pharmaceuticals.

U.S. importers and retailers say they were caught off guard by the sudden imposition and scale of the tariffs. Industry groups such as:

• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce,

• Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA),

• American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC),

have issued statements urging the White House to reconsider, warning that the new tariffs could “lead to job losses, inflation, and disruptions in supply chains.”

Trump’s Strategy: Trade Leverage Before Elections

The announcement comes just months before the 2025 Presidential election, and appears to be part of Trump’s broader “America First 2.0” economic agenda, aiming to deliver swift and visible action to his political base.

Trump said that the tariffs are “not permanent”, but are intended to pressure foreign governments into “fair trade agreements” with the U.S. He indicated that any country willing to offer reciprocal market access and reduce their own tariffs on American goods could be exempted.

“We want fair deals. Not one-sided deals. Every nation has a choice—reduce your tariffs or pay ours,” he added.

USTR to Handle Country-Specific Appeals

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has been tasked with handling appeals, exemptions, and bilateral negotiations. Countries may file petitions through diplomatic channels within 14 days of the tariffs taking effect. Essential goods like medical equipment and defense components are temporarily exempt but remain under review.

Industry stakeholders can submit requests for product-level exemptions, though Trump emphasized that these would be “rare and strategic.”

What to Expect Next

The world now waits to see how affected nations respond, both diplomatically and economically. Retaliation, trade realignments, and supply chain shifts are all on the cards.

Meanwhile, Trump supporters hail the move as a bold assertion of U.S. sovereignty in trade matters, while critics call it “economic nationalism with global consequences.”

With just seven days to prepare, businesses, allies, and adversaries are scrambling to understand and adapt to a new trade reality.

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