Trump Tariffs Take Effect, Raising Tensions With Trade Partners

Major U.S. trading partners experienced a shock from President Donald Trump's new import tariffs which started on Thursday while global supply chains began searching for new alternatives. The new import duties which span from 10% to 50% have elevated U.S. average import taxes to their greatest level since the last century.

The countries that suffered the most from these measures are Brazil, India, Canada and Switzerland. The leaders of Brazil and India declared their refusal to give in while their negotiators worked to obtain relief. The United States announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods because of Russian oil deals which will start in three weeks.

The tariffs according to Trump represent a necessary move to address historical trade imbalances which will generate "billions" of dollars from nations that exploited U.S. markets. The new trade framework according to the administration will strengthen U.S. industry while fixing macroeconomic imbalances.

Eight major partners including Japan, South Korea and the EU have accepted reduced tariffs of 15%. The UK and Southeast Asian nations obtained their own specific rate reductions.

The price increases for U.S. consumers will become apparent in the future according to expert predictions. The pressure on essential supply chains has led multiple nations to reassess their trade relationships while negotiations about lowering tariffs proceed in secret meetings.