Trump Slaps Double-Digit Tariffs on 60 Nations, Sparks Global Trade Chaos

The Trump administration on Thursday announced new levies of 10 to 12.5 percent on imports from 60 economies, covering 99 percent of all goods entering the country [203851][203689]. The tariffs replace a temporary global tariff that had been struck down by the Supreme Court, and officials say they target goods produced with forced labor [203413][203689]. Among the hardest-hit regions are seven Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, which analysts say reinforces perceptions of Washington as an unreliable partner [203851].

The escalation is already reshaping global trade alliances. Canada, historically the United States' top trading partner, has begun talks with the European Union to strengthen economic ties and reduce its reliance on the American market [203095]. South Africa is closely watching the developments, as the new tariffs could disrupt its hard-won trade agreement with the EU, potentially hurting exports of citrus, wine, and cars [204471]. Trade experts warn that the Economic Partnership Agreement between South Africa and the EU could face renegotiation or delays [204471].

Brazil has responded by signing an emergency $1.1 billion credit package to help its exporters bypass the new 25 percent US tariffs on steel and agricultural products, shifting sales to alternative markets in Asia and Europe [202465]. Meanwhile, the EU is quietly preparing for a broader trade war, building economic resilience and reducing its reliance on China to protect its manufacturing heartlands from what experts call "China Shock 2.0" [200441]. A European Parliament delegation has arrived in Beijing for a three-day visit to calm rising tensions, marking the first official exchange since diplomatic contacts were suspended [201628].