In a sweeping shift in trade policy, the U.S. has launched reciprocal tariffs on imports matching what those countries charge on U.S. goods sparking steep levies aimed at rebalancing trade dynamics. Nations now facing the highest U.S. tariff rate of 50% include India and Brazil, both targeted due to their high duties on American goods and geopolitical friction.

Trailed by Syria at 41%, Laos and Myanmar at 40%, and Switzerland at 39%, the highest-impact list continues with Canada, Iraq, and Serbia around 35%, followed by China, South Africa, Algeria, Libya roughly at 30%. These punitive tariffs reflect both economic friction and strategic posturing, with wide-ranging consequences..

Lower-tier tariffs of 10–20% have been applied to several economies like the EU, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, reflecting muted tensions or stronger trade alliances. Overall, this aggressive stance marks a substantial shift from historically low U.S. tariffs averaging just 1–2% with the 2025 average now soaring to over 14%.

These tariff hikes elevate geopolitical risks and could demand strategic recalibration from businesses and policymakers globally..