Donald Trump reminds no exemptions to be granted from reciprocal tariffs on April 2

A reminder from President Donald Trump on Sunday, March 16: no exemptions will be granted to countries that have imposed counter-tariffs on the United States. As previously announced by the President, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, South Korea, and the European Union would face reciprocal duties starting in early April.

Last month, Trump increased tariffs on aluminium and steel imports to 25 per cent with no exceptions. In response, the affected countries imposed heavy duties on US goods. Starting April 2, it is Trump's turn to retaliate by imposing tariffs on those countries, aiming to level up the playing field and protect American industries.

Trump stated the US would impose tit-for-tat tariffs, matching those imposed by other countries—nothing less, nothing more. He also emphasised that the US government would not tolerate any attempts by countries to circumvent tariffs, such as rerouting shipments through third-party nations. Trump warned that any tactics that could harm the US economy would be closely monitored.

Who reacted how to US tariffs?

• China retaliated by announcing 15 per cent tariffs on chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton imports from the United States. In addition, a 10 per cent duty was imposed on the United States' sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
• The European Union announced countermeasures valued at over EUR 18 billion.
• Canada threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff against USD 155 billion worth of US goods, remove American alcohol from Liquor Control Board of Ontario shelves, and strike out a USD 100-million deal with Elon Musk's SpaceX for Starlink internet in response to steel and aluminium tariffs.

As an answer to all these counter-tariffs on the US, Donald Trump is set to levy reciprocal duties on each of these countries. Trump said, "April 2 is a liberating day for our country. "Billions of dollars have already come into our country and the big money is coming in from April 2."

On Saturday, South Korea's trade minister already requested his US counterpart for an exemption from reciprocal tariffs if they go into effect. But ahem, the next day, Trump announced no exemptions would be granted.