Trump Tariffs: Which ‘Dirty 15’ Countries Face Impact?

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• US President Donald Trump plans new Trump Tariffs starting April 2, dubbed “Liberation Day”.
• These tariffs target countries imposing high duties or perceived unfair trade practices on US goods.
• US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned a “Dirty 15” group of trade partners with high barriers.
• Nations with the largest trade deficits with the US are likely primary targets for new Trump Tariffs.
• Expected measures could include duties on pharma, semiconductors, autos, and manufactured goods.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Introduction: Dawn of New Tariffs Under Trump

US President Donald Trump is preparing to implement new trade tariffs effective April 2. He has termed this move “Liberation Day” for America. These new Trump Tariffs will specifically target nations that levy high duties on American goods. Additionally, countries pursuing restrictive trade policies considered unfair by the White House will face these measures. The Trump administration has consistently argued that existing global trade regulations unfairly benefit other countries at the expense of the United States. These upcoming tariffs are presented as a direct response to these long-standing concerns. The global business community watches closely.

Who Are the ‘Dirty 15’?

Recently, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent referred to a specific group of nations as the “Dirty 15”. He described them as constituting 15% of US trading partners. These partners impose steep tariffs and create other significant trade barriers against American products. While Bessent did not explicitly name the countries on this list, data offers some potential candidates. The US Commerce Department’s 2024 trade deficit report provides valuable clues regarding potential targets.

Potential Targets Based on Trade Deficit

According to the Commerce Department report, the countries (and regions) with the highest goods trade deficits with the US include:

1. China
2. European Union
3. Mexico
4. Vietnam
5. Ireland
6. Germany
7. Taiwan
8. Japan
9. South Korea
10. Canada
11. India
12. Thailand
13. Italy
14. Switzerland
15. Malaysia
16. Indonesia

Collectively, these nations account for a substantial portion of the US trade imbalance. Consequently, they are widely expected to bear the most significant impact from the new Trump Tariffs. This list helps contextualize the “Dirty 15” concept.

USTR Highlights Unfair Trade Practices

Furthermore, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) has also identified 21 nations. These countries follow trade practices that the US deems unfair. This broader list includes:

Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

Although much focus is on the “Dirty 15,” recent remarks from Trump suggest a wider net. More countries could potentially be affected by the impending trade measures. The scope of the Trump Tariffs could be quite extensive.

What Tariffs Will Be Imposed?

The specifics of the Trump Tariffs are expected to differ across various countries and industries. Previously, Trump imposed broad tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. He also levied duties on foreign automobiles and implemented targeted duties specifically on Chinese goods. The new trade measures could potentially include:

• Additional sector-specific duties. Pharmaceuticals and semiconductors are likely candidates.
• Higher tariffs on automobile imports and related spare parts. These are potentially set to take effect from April 4.
• Increased trade barriers on manufactured goods. This would likely target countries holding large trade surpluses with the US.

The administration believes these Trump Tariffs are necessary to protect American economic interests. These actions could significantly reshape the global trade landscape.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• The US plans new Trump Tariffs starting April 2, termed “Liberation Day”.
• Tariffs will target countries with high duties or perceived unfair trade practices against the US.
• The “Dirty 15” refers to nations creating trade barriers; the trade deficit list offers likely targets.
• USTR’s list of 21 nations with unfair practices broadens the potential impact of Trump Tariffs.
• Potential tariffs may affect sectors like pharma, semiconductors, autos, and manufactured goods.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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