US President Donald Trump

Former US President Donald Trump announced that his planned tariffs will apply to all countries, not just those with significant trade imbalances with the United States.

Speaking onboard Air Force One, Trump dismissed speculation that the tariffs would only target a select group of nations, stating, “You’d start with all countries, so let’s see what happens.”  He emphasised that the levies would be imposed broadly rather than being limited to the so-called “Dirty 15,” a group identified by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as having persistent trade imbalances with the US.

Set to be unveiled on April 2, Trump’s “Liberation Day” initiative will introduce reciprocal tariffs aimed at addressing what his administration perceives as unfair trade practices. Despite expanding the target, Trump assured that the tariffs would be “more generous” compared to those imposed on the US by other nations.

“They ripped us off like no country has ever been ripped off in history, and we’re going to be much nicer than they were to us. But it’s substantial money for the country nevertheless,” he said.

The tariffs will cover steel, aluminium, and auto imports, with automobile levies taking effect on April 3. Trump’s top trade adviser, Peter Navarro, projected that tariffs on auto imports could generate $100 billion annually, while other tariffs could bring in an estimated $600 billion per year—totalling about $6 trillion over a decade.

While Trump argues the tariffs will boost government revenue and revitalise US industries, critics warn that they could spark a global trade war, fuel inflation, and slow economic growth. Many countries have already vowed to retaliate against the measures.