President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that his forthcoming tariffs would apply to all countries, not just those with the largest trade imbalances with the United States. The sweeping measure is set to be unveiled on April 2, marking what the president has termed “Liberation Day.”
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump dismissed speculation that the levies might target only a select group of countries with significant trade imbalances. Instead, he confirmed that “essentially all of the countries that we’re talking about” would be affected, without providing specific details.
Despite expanding the scope of the tariffs, Trump maintained that the measures would be more “generous” compared to those imposed on the United States by its trading partners.
“The tariffs will be far more generous than those countries were to us, meaning they will be kinder than those countries were to the United States of America over the decades,” Trump said. “They ripped us off like no country has ever been ripped off in history, and we’re going to be much nicer than they were to us. But it’s substantial money for the country nevertheless.”
The tariff package, previously expected to target around 15 percent of trading partners deemed the “Dirty 15” by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, will now cover a broader range of nations.
In addition to existing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports and additional levies on Chinese goods, new tariffs on imported autos are scheduled to take effect on April 3. According to Trump’s top trade adviser Peter Navarro, the auto tariffs could generate $100 billion annually, while the full range of tariffs is projected to raise approximately $600 billion per year—totaling $6 trillion over a decade.
Navarro emphasized the financial impact, stating that the tariffs represent a “substantial revenue boost” for the U.S. government.
Economists and global leaders have expressed concern that Trump’s expansive tariff strategy could ignite a global trade war, with other nations already signaling plans to retaliate. Experts also warn that the move could stoke inflation and potentially trigger an economic downturn.
However, Trump remains steadfast in his defense of the tariffs, asserting that they will strengthen domestic industry and secure substantial revenue for the nation.
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