U.S. reciprocal tariffs are expected to begin to be implemented this April 2, according to statements by President Donald Trump.

On February 13, Trump signed an order to implement the reciprocal tariffs, aligning U.S. tariffs with those imposed by other countries on U.S. products. 

This mechanism is intended to reduce the trade deficit and correct unequal practices. In addition to the tariffs themselves, it considers non-tariff barriers, such as subsidies and restrictive regulations. It also takes into account differences in taxes, such as VAT.

U.S. reciprocal tariffs

On February 25, 2025, the White House Trade Representation (USTR) published a notice in the Federal Register to collect comments on unfair trade practices and non-reciprocal agreements. As part of the proceeding, it will investigate possible injury to the United States under the Presidential Memoranda on “America First” and Reciprocal Trade.

The notice invites interested parties to provide information on policies or barriers affecting U.S. production or exports. In addition, it considers as unfair practices the lack of actions to correct measures that harm the United States.

Cases mentioned

The U.S. government bases these measures on Section 2(c) of the America First Trade Policy memorandum, which includes a review of unfair practices and a recommendation for corrective action. 

The measures are also based on Section 3(a) of the reciprocal tariffs memorandum, which includes a review of non-reciprocal trade agreements as of April 2, 2025.

• India charges tariffs of 100% on its imports of U.S.-origin autos, versus 2.5% the other way around.
• Brazil sets an 18% tariff on U.S. ethanol, compared to a 2.5% rate in the United States.
• The European Union applies restrictions on U.S. seafood exports,
• South Korea charges tariffs four times higher on imports of U.S. products compared to those charged by U.S. customs on average in the opposite direction.
• India has an average tariff of 39% on agricultural products compared to 5% in the United States.

USTR seeks information on major trading economies, especially G20 countries and those with larger deficits with the United States. The deadline for comments was March 11, 2025.