Trump Announces 10% Tariffs on Over 100 Smaller Nations, Escalating Trade War

President Donald TRUMP unveiled a sweeping tariff policy targeting more than 100 countries across Africa and the Caribbean, imposing import taxes exceeding 10%. The move marks a significant escalation in U.S. trade policy, focusing on nations with modest trade volumes with the United States.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified the administration's rationale, emphasizing a departure from traditional trade relationships with developing economies. The tariffs, set to take effect August 1, follow a pattern of historically high trade barriers that have previously rattled financial markets.

Affected nations are now bracing for economic impact as this protectionist shift threatens to reshape global commerce dynamics. The policy's geographic focus on smaller trading partners suggests a strategic recalibration of U.S. trade priorities.