Trump says reciprocal tariffs will target all countries

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that his upcoming reciprocal tariff plan will apply to all countries, not just the 10 to 15 nations with the largest trade imbalances.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the sweeping tariffs — set to be unveiled on Wednesday, which he dubbed “Liberation Day” — will begin with “all of the countries that we’re talking about.”

The announcement marks a significant expansion of his administration’s trade policy, which has already included tariffs on aluminum, steel, and automobiles, as well as elevated duties on all imports from China.

“You’d start with all countries,” Trump said, signaling a broader approach than the one hinted at earlier by White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett. Hassett had previously suggested that the focus would be on a smaller group of nations with the worst trade deficits.

Trump argues that reciprocal tariffs are necessary to protect American industries and workers from unfair foreign competition, while also leveraging better trade terms. “If they’re charging us, we’re going to charge them the same,” he has repeatedly stated.

In February, Trump signed a memorandum directing trade officials to review each country’s tariff structure and recommend corresponding countermeasures. While he had initially hinted at potentially lower reciprocal rates, his latest comments suggest a return to more aggressive implementation. — Agencies