Key Points:
✔ New US tariffs target multiple nations, with Syria facing 41% duties and Canada seeing a hike to 35%.
✔ India’s tariff rate holds at 25%, while Pakistan gets a reduction from 29% to 19%.
✔ Markets react sharply as Trump’s latest trade moves fuel global economic uncertainty.
Trump’s Latest Tariff Wave Rattles Markets – India Holds Firm at 25%
Washington, D.C. – In a move that has sent shockwaves through global markets, US President Donald Trump unveiled a fresh set of import tariffs on Friday, targeting several nations with duties as high as 41% on Syria and hiking Canadian import levies from 25% to 35%. While India’s tariff rate remains unchanged at 25%, Pakistan saw a surprising reduction—from 29% to 19%—following a reported oil reserve deal between Islamabad and Washington.
The announcement comes just one week before the new tariffs are set to take effect, adding another layer of tension to an already volatile international trade landscape. Sector-specific duties, including those on copper imports, are also being enforced, further complicating trade relations with key partners.
Market Turmoil as Trade War Fears Grow
Indian markets reacted swiftly to the news, with key indices slipping as investors weighed the potential ripple effects of Trump’s latest economic policy shift. While India’s tariff status remains steady for now, analysts warn that prolonged trade disputes could disrupt supply chains and dampen economic growth.
Meanwhile, the 10% “universal” tariff—first imposed on April 2—will continue but only apply to countries where the US holds a trade surplus. This selective approach underscores the Trump administration’s aggressive stance on rebalancing global trade dynamics.
Pakistan’s Surprise Tariff Cut
In a notable shift, Pakistan received a 10 percentage-point reduction in tariffs, a move Trump attributed to a new bilateral agreement on oil development. The decision has raised eyebrows, particularly in New Delhi, where officials are closely monitoring the geopolitical implications.
As global leaders brace for further trade disruptions, all eyes remain on Washington—where Trump’s protectionist policies show no signs of slowing down.
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