Trump Imposes Tariffs on 69 Nations, Pakistan Faces 19% Duty

News Desk

Washington: US President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping new wave of import tariffs targeting 69 countries, including Pakistan, as part of his ongoing effort to overhaul global trade practices.

Pakistani exports to the United States will now face a 19 percent reciprocal tariff, starting next week.

The new measures, outlined in an executive order released just ahead of a Friday trade deadline, impose tariffs ranging from 10 percent to 41 percent on a wide range of imports.

Trump said the move is intended to correct “unfair trade imbalances” and protect US economic and national security interests.

Goods from countries not listed in the annex to the order will be subject to a flat 10% tariff, while those from listed nations including Pakistan face much steeper duties. The tariffs will take effect seven days from the order’s release.

The White House noted that while some countries had reached deals to avoid higher tariffs, others either failed to negotiate or offered proposals Trump deemed insufficient.

“Some trading partners… have failed to align sufficiently with the United States on economic and national-security matters,” Trump’s order stated.

Contrasting Outcomes

In a separate move, Trump raised fentanyl-related tariffs on Canadian goods from 25 percent to 35 percent, citing Canada’s “failure to cooperate” in curbing the flow of the synthetic opioid into the US.

However, Mexico received a 90-day reprieve from higher tariffs on many goods after a last-minute call between Trump and newly elected Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

President Sheinbaum confirmed the delay in an X (formerly Twitter) post, calling the conversation “very good.” About 85 percent of US imports from Mexico already comply with rules under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), shielding them from a separate set of fentanyl-related duties.

Nonetheless, Trump affirmed that 50 percent tariffs would remain on Mexican steel, aluminum, and copper, along with 25 percent duties on Mexican automobiles and goods failing to meet USMCA origin rules.

He also claimed Mexico agreed to remove “Non Tariff Trade Barriers,” though no further details were provided.

India, South Korea, Brazil in Spotlight

India is among the nations facing a 25 percent tariff after talks reportedly stalled over agricultural market access and India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. The standoff has triggered a political backlash in New Delhi and led to a depreciation of the rupee.

In contrast, South Korea struck a deal with the Trump administration to cap tariffs on its exports at 15 percent, down from a threatened 25 percent . The agreement includes a $350 billion investment pledge for US-based projects selected by Trump.

Brazil was hit with a steep 50 percent tariff this week amid rising tensions over the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, a Trump ally. However, certain Brazilian sectors — including aircraft, energy, and orange juice — were exempted from the higher levies.

Legal Challenges and Economic Impact

Trump’s tariffs are being challenged in court. A federal appeals court in Washington recently heard arguments questioning the legality of using the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad trade penalties. The Court of International Trade previously ruled that Trump exceeded his authority under the Act.

Meanwhile, economic data from the US Commerce Department indicates that the tariffs may already be impacting consumer prices. The cost of home furnishings and durable goods rose 1.3 percent in June — the largest increase since March 2022 — while recreational goods and clothing also saw notable price hikes.

China Deal Still Unsettled

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a trade deal with China is “not 100 percent done” but could be finalized soon.

Speaking after two days of US-China talks in Stockholm, Bessent said the Chinese side had agreed to some terms, though the final decision rests with President Trump. Beijing now faces an August 12 deadline to reach a full agreement and avert further tariff escalation.