President Trump’s long-threatened tariffs are finally here, thrusting the United States into an unwarranted and ongoing global trade war. The policy aimed at reducing trade imbalances has sparked an immediate backlash from international partners. Tensions are continuously rising as American consumers, global trade partners, and economists alike are preparing for the possible economic consequences. 

On April 2, Trump announced in the White House Rose Garden that all countries conducting global business with the United States would be facing a baseline 10% tariff, alongside a reciprocal tariff. 

“April 2nd, 2025, will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn,” Trump said in his announcement from the Rose Garden. “In a few moments, I will sign a historic executive order instituting reciprocal tariffs around the world. Reciprocal — that means, they do it to us, and we do it to them. Very simple, can’t get any simpler than that.”

Just two days after the announcement, China was the first to respond to Trump’s tariff regime. China imposed a 34% reciprocal tariff on all imported goods from the United States. China’s finance ministry condemned Trump’s tariffs by stating, “This practice of the U.S. is not in line with international trade rules, undermines China’s legitimate rights and interests, and is typical unilateral bullying practice.” 

The European Union quickly followed suit, with the European Commission drafting a proposal targeting American products in response to Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum. The EU’s list of affected goods is set to include U.S. meat, cereals, wine, wood, and clothing, as well as consumer goods such as chewing gum, dental floss, vacuum cleaners, and toilet paper. The proposal will be presented to EU member states for approval before being enacted. 

President Trump on Wednesday said he would halt the implementation of his reciprocal tariffs for the next 90 days, citing new talks with foreign nations on trade. But Trump said his break did not include China, announcing he would instead raise tariffs on its exports to at least 145% after Beijing announced they would be putting an 84% levy on all American exports. 

Trump has deemed the global tariffs as necessary to diminish the trade imbalances with nations that export more goods to the U.S. than they import from America. However, with these tariffs come concerns from many. Trump’s tariffs are heating up a global trade war that could, at least in the short term, boost prices for American consumers. 

Economists and trade experts have voiced concerns that the new tariffs could trigger a prolonged trade war, potentially leading to supply chain disruptions and inflation. American businesses that rely on imported materials may face higher production costs, which could then be passed down to consumers. 

“It is going to affect everything in the economy,” said an associate professor of economics and chair of the Economics Division at Babson College, Josh Stillwagon. “There’s this immediate price increase that’s going to be passed on to consumers here, basically as soon as the retailers have to buy new product.” 

Meanwhile, major industries such as agriculture, automotive, and technology are bracing for the fallout. U.S. farmers, who heavily depend on exports to China and Europe, could be among the hardest hit as tariffs make American agricultural products less competitive in foreign markets. Similarly, the automotive industry, which relies on global supply chains, may experience disruptions that could affect production and jobs. 

Despite these concerns, Trump and his administration remain steadfast in their belief that the tariffs will ultimately strengthen American manufacturing and job growth.