In his maiden address to Congress after being sworn in, President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping trade policy: reciprocal tariffs set to begin April 2, 2025. The plan will match U.S. tariffs to those imposed on American goods by other nations. “Whatever they charge us, we will charge them,” Trump asserted, emphasizing fairness in trade. He singled out countries like India, China, the European Union, Brazil, Mexico, and Canada for their high tariffs on U.S. exports, calling the disparities “very unfair” to American workers and businesses.

Trump specifically targeted India’s trade practices, stating, “Its very unfair. India charges us auto tariffs higher than 100%. The system is not fair to the United States, and never was. We have been ripped off for decades by nearly every country on earth, and we will not let that happen hereafter.” He argued this imbalance has crippled U.S. industries, promising that reciprocal tariffs would level the playing field. The policy follows his earlier 2025 moves—25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and 10% on China, effective March 4—tied to issues like trade deficits and drug trafficking. Now, the April initiative broadens the scope, aiming to mirror duties across all trading partners.

The President framed the tariffs as a boon for American manufacturing, vowing to “make America rich again” by protecting domestic jobs. Yet, he conceded an “adjustment period” might challenge sectors like agriculture. Critics warn of rising consumer costs—tequila prices, for instance, could spike due to tariffs on Mexico—while businesses brace for supply chain disruptions. Global markets felt immediate jitters, with the Dow dropping over 600 points on March 4.

Trump’s choice of April 2 avoided an April Fool’s Day start, a deliberate nod to credibility. As the date looms, the policy’s success hinges on execution and international response, potentially redefining U.S. trade dynamics.