Trump launches “reciprocal tariffs”: a “declaration of economic independence”

US president announces new tariffs to boost US industry

Donald Trump has announced a series of groundbreaking economic measures that mark a new chapter in U.S. trade policy. “It is our declaration of economic independence,” the president said during a speech in the White House Rose Garden, stressing that ”today, April 2, 2025, will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn.” With these words, Trump introduced the “reciprocal tariffs,” which include a 25 percent tariff on cars manufactured outside the United States, starting at midnight on April 2.

America’s golden age: Trump’s plan

According to Trump, this move marks the beginning of a “new renaissance” for American industry, with a promise to create new jobs and bring factories back to the United States. “Today is the beginning of a new era for our country. America will be back as great as ever,” he said enthusiastically, explaining that the decision marks the end of 60 years in which the United States was ‘robbed’ economically.

The president reiterated that the United States has been forced to pay to defend other countries and face unfair trade barriers imposed by nations such as Canada, Mexico, the European Union, Australia, China and South Korea. “We have paid for too long, now it is time to put America first,” he added, referring to tariffs imposed by other countries on various products.

The trade strategy and the new tariffs

The package of economic measures introduced by Trump mainly affects the auto industry, with a 25 percent tariff on all foreign-made cars. The move is a response to trade barriers that the president says have hurt the U.S. economy for decades. Trump also stressed that today’s action will not only have a positive impact on U.S. industry, but will help reduce the country’s trade deficit.

The announcement comes after weeks of internal discussions and assessments about the future of the global economy. The decisions were made at the last minute, with the goal of protecting U.S. industry and marking a radical change in Washington’s trade policy.

An America that puts itself first

Trump’s speech ends with a statement of determination: “We’re going to start being smart, we can get richer than any other country. We have supported the rest of the world for too long, now it’s time to focus on ourselves.” The president stressed the importance of not continuing to pay for the defense of other states and protecting U.S. economic interests, putting growth and domestic prosperity at the center of his agenda.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)