Trump said the U.S. is introducing a new reciprocal tax policy

In order to ensure fair conditions for American manufacturers, the United States will introduce a new reciprocal tariff policy, which will be levied on foreign countries based on the tariffs they impose on American goods. This was announced by US President Donald Trump on February 18.

"In matters of trade, I have decided, for the sake of fairness, to impose reciprocal duties, which means: whatever countries charge the United States, the same amount we will charge them - no more and no less," the American leader wrote in the social network X (former Twitter).

For the purposes of this policy, the imposition of VAT by countries would be considered tariff restrictions, Trump said, noting that the tax is an even more punitive measure than duties.

He specified that the measure would target countries that provide subsidies to gain economic advantage at the expense of the US. In addition, the country will impose similar measures against non-tariff restrictions and trade barriers that countries impose to prevent U.S. goods from entering their market or prevent U.S. companies from doing business.

"It will be fair for everyone, no country will be able to complain. In some cases, if a country thinks the U.S. is charging too high duties, all it has to do is to soften or eliminate the duties (on U.S. goods. - Ed.)," he added.

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Previously, on February 1, Trump signed an executive order imposing trade tariffs of 25% on goods from Canada, China and Mexico. Then he also promised to impose duties on goods from the EU. With this decision, Trump seeks to reduce the flow of the opioid fentanyl across the border, as well as the flow of migrants.

On February 10, it was reported that Trump raised tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum from 10% to 25%, and also removed various exemptions and quotas for duty waivers for the largest suppliers. Before that, Trump specified that these duties will be imposed on the products of those countries that previously imposed retaliatory restrictions on American products.