Latest Blog Updates (23 April 2025)
- UK Chancellor Reeves meets US Treasury Secretary Bessent in Washington this week. The UK has not ruled out reducing tariffs on automotive imports as part of ongoing negotiations.
High-Level Findings
- Jurisdictions that have retaliated (3): Canada; China; Hong Kong
- Jurisdictions threatening retaliation (4): Brazil, European Union, France, Ivory Coast
- Jurisdictions with offsetting domestic measures (14): Australia; Canada; Chile; Chinese Taipei; Colombia; European Union; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Portugal; South Africa; Spain; Thailand; United Kingdom
- Jurisdictions seeking negotiations (32): Bahamas; Brazil; Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; Chile; Chinese Taipei; Dominican Republic; European Union; Fiji; India; Indonesia; Iraq; Israel; Italy; Japan; Kazakhstan; Laos; Lesotho; Malaysia; Myanmar; Norway; Pakistan; Peru; Philippines; Republic of Korea; Singapore; South Africa; Sri Lanka; Switzerland; Thailand; United Kingdom; Vietnam
- Jurisdictions that made concessions (5): Argentina; Bangladesh; Cambodia; Israel; Vietnam
- Jurisdictions that will not take further actions (14): Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; Falkland Islands; Indonesia; Laos; Malaysia; Montenegro; Myanmar; New Zealand; Philippines; Singapore; South Africa; Thailand; Vietnam
The Details
Retaliated:
Against the Reciprocal Tariffs:
China
- On 22 April 2025, reports emerged that China had requested South Korean companies refrain from exporting products containing Chinese rare earth minerals to US defence firms, warning that failure to comply would result in sanctions. [Media Report]
- On 15 April 2025, reports emerged that China had instructed its national carriers to suspend procurement and deliveries of Boeing aircraft and associated equipment from American companies. [Media Report]
- On 11 April 2025, China's State Council Tariff Commission increased the additional duties applicable to US imports from 84% to 125%. It further specified that it won't issue further hikes in response to the US as "at the current tariff level, there is no market acceptance for US goods exported to China". [Official Announcement]
- On 9 April 2025, the State Council Tariff Commission increased the additional duties applicable to US imports from 34% to 84%. [Official Announcement]
- On 9 April 2025, the Ministry of Commerce added six US defence companies to China's Unreliable Entity List. [Ministry Announcement]
- On 9 April 2025, the Ministry of Commerce added 12 US companies to China's Dual-Use Export Control List. [Ministry Announcement]
- On 8 April 2025, China challenged US tariff hikes at the WTO, requesting formal dispute consultations. [Official Announcement]
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On 4 April 2025, the State Council Tariff Commission announced a 34% additional duty on all US imports effective April 10, 2025. [Official Statement]
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On 4 April 2025, the Ministry of Commerce imposed export controls on medium and heavy rare earth elements. [Ministry Announcement]
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On 4 April 2025, the Chinese Government added 16 US companies to China's Dual-Use Export Control List. [Ministry Statement]
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On 4 April 2025, the Ministry of Commerce added 11 US defense companies to China's Unreliable Entity List. [Ministry Declaration]
Hong Kong
- On 16 April 2025, Hongkong Post ceased providing postal services for goods destined for the US in response to the reciprocal tariffs and de minimis treatment changes. Hong Kong said the US was "unreasonable, bullying and imposing tariffs abusively". [Official Statement]
Against Other Tariffs:
Canada
- On 8 April 2025, the United States Surtax Order was published. It details the scope of the affected US automobile imports and confirms the 25% tariff is valid from 9 April 2025. [Government Announcement]
- On 7 April 2025, Canada challenged the US tariffs on automobiles and automobile parts at the WTO. [Official Announcement]
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On 3 April 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced 25% tariffs on automobiles imported from the United States. [Government Announcement]
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On 3 April 2025, the Provincial Government of Yukon enacted countermeasures in response to the US auto tariffs. These include terminating Good Energy rebates for Tesla vehicles, reviewing and potentially cancelling non-essential Starlink accounts, and removing government digital communications from X. [Provincial Announcement]
Threatening Retaliation:
Against the Reciprocal Tariffs:
Brazil
- On 14 April 2025, Brazil adopted the Economic Reciprocity Law. The law sets out criterial for responding to "unilateral measures" that "negatively impact Brazil’s international competitiveness". [Government Announcement]
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On 9 April 2025, Brazil's President Lula da Silva declared that, should diplomatic negotiations prove unsuccessful, the country will either challenge the matter in the WTO or implement reciprocal measures against US imports. [Media Report]
European Union
- On 14 April 2025, the EU officially suspended the application of the countermeasures until mid-July. The measure aims "to allow time and space for EU-US negotiations". [Official Announcement]
- On 10 April 2025, Commission President Von der Leyen said the EU would match the pause announced the day prior by the United States. The EU will put the second package of proposed countermeasures on hold for 90 days. [Official Statement]
- On 9 April 2025, the Council of the EU approved the European Commission's package of proposed countermeasures. The duties will come into effect from 15 April 2025, subject to the future publication of the implementing acts in the official gazette. [Official Statement]
- On 3 April 2025, the European Commission stated that they are finalising a package of countermeasures and preparing further actions if negotiations fail. [Official Statement]
France
Ivory Coast
- On 10 April 2025, Agriculture Minister Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani suggested that his government could "increase the price of cocoa and that will have a repercussion on the price to the consumer". The country taxes cocoa exports. [Media Report]
Against Other Tariffs:
Offsetting Domestic Measures:
In Response to the Reciprocal Tariffs:
Australia
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On 3 April 2025, the Australian government outlined several measures, including subsidies, in response to US tariffs on Australian imports. [Government Announcement]
Chile
- On 10 April 2025, Chile's Minister of Finance unveiled economic measures featuring financial assistance for impacted Chilean exporters and efforts to diversify the nation's export markets. [Official Statement]
Chinese Taipei
Colombia
- On 7 April 2025, the Colombian government established a joint public-private sector working group and developed a roadmap to respond to US tariffs. The initiative will focus on evaluating existing trade barriers and crafting a strategic trade diversification plan targeting alternative regional markets. [Government Announcement]
European Union
- On 11 April 2025, EU Commissioner Dombrovskis noted that the EU is working on various responses to address the US tariffs, including strengthening the EU's Single Market and enhancing existing partnerships and “new win-win deals” with third countries. [Official Statement]
Indonesia
Japan
- On 3 April 2025, the Ministry of Economy announced state loans and support measures for domestic SMEs from the automotive supply chain. [Ministry Announcement]
Portugal
- On 10 April 2025, Portugal's Council of Ministers approved the "Reinforce Programme", mobilising up to EUR 10 billion to support competitiveness, exports and the internationalisation of the Portuguese economy in response to challenges posed by the tariffs. [Government Announcement]
Republic of Korea
- On 15 April 2025, South Korea's government pledged over KRW 25 trillion to exporters negatively affected by US tariffs and KRW 4 trillion for a rapid response to enhance the competitiveness of high-tech industries. [Official Announcement].
- On 11 April 2025, Korea’s Export-Import Bank allocated KRW 20 trillion to support Korean exporters deal with the “crisis resulting from changes in the new US administration’s trade policies”. [Official Announcement]
- On 9 April 2025, the Financial Services Commission published a list of emergency support measures for the automobile supply chain. [Government Announcement]
- On 7 April 2025, the Korean government announced the preparation of a programme with a budget of approximately KRW 100 trillion to ensure market liquidity. [Government Announcement]
- On 3 April 2025, South Korea announced emergency support measures for businesses affected by US tariffs. [Government Program]
South Africa
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On 4 April 2025, the South African government announced it would invest in the industries impacted by the tariffs, while intensifying efforts to diversify export destinations and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to bolster intra-continental trade. [Government Announcement]
Spain
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On 7 April 2025, Catalonia's regional government committed EUR 1.5 billion to support companies affected by US tariffs through its initiative "We Respond: Defense Plan for a Catalunya of Everyone”. [Government Announcement]
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On 3 April 2025, the Spanish Government announced a EUR 14.1 billion "Commercial Relaunch and Response Plan" to mitigate trade war impacts. [Government Announcement]
Thailand
- On 18 April 2025, EXIM Thailand unveiled five measures to mitigate the impact of US reciprocal tariff policies on Thai entrepreneurs. These measures include establishing an Export Clinic to provide financial support, offering advisory services and helping businesses enter new markets. [Official Announcement]
United Kingdom
- On 13 April 2025, the United Kingdom's government suspended import tariffs on 89 products, ranging from food to furniture, for a two-year period. UK officials cited the "uncertain and unpredictable global trading environment" as the context for this decision. [Government Announcement]
- On 13 April 2025, the United Kingdom's government pledged GBP 20 billion to expand export finance to support exporters affected by the US tariffs. [Media Report]
In Response to Other Tariffs:
Canada
- On 7 April 2025, the province of Ontario unveiled CAD 11 billion in tax deferrals and workplace safety rebates designed to shield its economy from the impact of US tariffs. [Provincial Announcement]
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On 4 April 2025, the government of Newfoundland and Labrador launched the Seafood Marketing Support Program to support the province's seafood industry. [Government Program]
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On 2 April 2025, the government of Manitoba announced CAD 140.8 million in support of agricultural producers affected by tariffs. [Provincial Announcement]
Republic of Korea
- On 15 April 2025, the South Korean government pledged additional support for the semiconductor industry worth KRW 7 trillion in 2025 and KRW 4 trillion in 2026. The package includes infrastructure subsidies, direct industry investment and technology development support. These measures have been implemented as semiconductor goods are "expected to be targeted by item-specific tariffs by the US government". [Official Announcement]
Seeking Negotiations:
ASEAN
- On 10 April 2025, the ten Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) expressed their joint intention to negotiate trade concerns with the US. ASEAN comprises Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. [Official Statement]
Bahamas
- On 2 April 2025, the Bahamas' Prime Minister's Office announced it would engage with its US counterpart regarding the newly announced tariffs. [Official Statement]
Brazil
- On 9 April 2025, Brazil's President Lula da Silva announced that while the country will pursue further negotiations, it stands prepared to implement retaliatory measures if diplomatic efforts prove unsuccessful. [Media Report]
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On 2 April 2025, Brazil confirmed its willingness to negotiate with the United States as soon as possible, while simultaneously evaluating potential actions in response to trade barriers. [Government Statement]
Chile
- On 16 April 2025, the Chilean delegation met with the USTR. Both parties established a joint roadmap, including two meetings in the first half of 2015 to address the digital economy, economic security and non-tariff barriers. [Official Statement]
- On 10 April 2025, Chile's Minister of Finance confirmed the country will engage in dialogue with US counterparts through the framework established by the US-Chile FTA. [Official Statement]
Chinese Taipei
- On 12 April 2025, Chinese Taipei officials confirmed that discussions with the US had begun. They further reaffirmed their proposal for a zero-tariff regime and commitment to "greater purchases and investments in the country". [Media Report][Official Statement]
- On 6 April 2025, Chinese Taipei formed a negotiation team led by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun to pursue bilateral zero-tariff treatment with the US. [Official Statement]
Colombia
- On 11 April 2025, the Colombian government declared that it would send diplomatic letters to the US to begin negotiations aimed at reducing the 10 per cent tariff on Colombian imports. [Media Report]
Dominican Republic
- On 21 April 2025, the government of the Dominican Republic confirmed that a delegation would attend an inaugural meeting in Washington the following day to start tariff negotiations with the US. [Government Statement]
European Union
- On 21 April 2025, reports emerged that the EU is exploring mechanisms to facilitate compliance of US gas exports with its methane emissions standards. This measure is being considered as part of ongoing negotiations with the US. [Media Report]
- On 14 April 2025, EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič met US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and USTR Jamieson Greer in Washington to kick-start trade negotiations with the US. The Commissioner reiterated that Brussels "remains constructive and ready for a fair deal – including reciprocity through our 0-for-0 tariff offer on industrial goods and the work on non-tariff barriers". [Official Statement]
- On 7 April 2025, the EU offered zero-for-zero tariffs for cars and industrial goods in negotiations with the US. [Official Statement]
Fiji
- On 3 April, the government of Fiji started conversations with its US counterpart to explore options to mitigate them. [Official announcement]
India
- On 21 April 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with the Vice President of the US JD Vance. They welcomed the “significant progress in the negotiations” of the "India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement".[Official Statement]
- On 16 April 2025, Indian officials speaking anonymously declared that the country was considering eliminating tariffs on ethane and LPG imported from the US. This is in addition to LNG and other fuels reported in late March 2025.. [Media Report]
- On 6 April 2025, India confirmed ongoing talks for a deal with the US and plans not to retaliate against the tariffs. [Media Report]
Indonesia
- On 18 April 2025, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, announced that negotiations with the US had commenced the previous day. Both parties agreed that “the issue of tariff policy and bilateral cooperation (...) will be discussed and resolved within the next 60 days”. [Official Statement]
- On 8 April, Indonesia shared its plan to send a trade delegation to Washington to initiate talks on the latest US tariffs. [Official Statement]
Israel
Italy
- On 6 April 2025, Prime Minister Meloni stated Italy will work toward an agreement with the US to avoid a trade war. [Official Statement]
Iraq
- On 5 April 2025, Iraq's Prime Minister's Office directed its negotiating team to establish an open dialogue with the United States, aiming to strengthen economic and trade relations. The office also announced plans to create commercial opportunities for US distributors and explore cooperation between the countries' banking and financial sectors. [Official Statement]
Japan
Kazakhstan
- On 3 April 2025, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Trade and Integration announced the initiation of consultations with the United States regarding potential exemptions from the additional duties. [Ministry Statement]
Lesotho
- On 4 April 2025, Lesotho's Trade Minister Shelile announced the country was in the process of assembling a high-level delegation for trade talks with the US. [Reuters Report]
Malaysia
- On 7 April 2025, following the inaugural meeting with US counterparts, the Malaysian government announced that bilateral negotiations would proceed within the framework of the Malaysia-US FTA. [Official Statement]
Norway
- On 3 April 2025, Prime Minister Stoere stated that Norway will use every possible way to negotiate with the US regarding the tariffs. [Reuters Report]
Pakistan
- On 5 April 2025, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced plans to send a governmental delegation to the US to negotiate a win-win deal for both countries. [Official Statement]
Peru
- On 9 April 2025, Peru's Minister of Foreign Affairs Schialer requested the suspension of the 10% tariffs on Peruvian imports and the start of negotiations to deepen the bilateral "economic convergence". [Official Statement]
Philippines
- On 7 April 2025, the government is planning on reducing import tariffs affecting US products and will meet with US officials for further negotiations. [Media Report]
Republic of Korea
- On 21 April 2025, Korea confirmed that negotiations with the US would kickstart on 24 April 2025. Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok and Industry Minister Ahn Deok-geun will meet USTR Jamieson Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington. [Government Statement]
- On 7 April 2025, South Korea announced it will discuss with the US side on reducing the 25% tariff rate and minimising the impact on Korean companies. [Government Statement]
South Africa
Sri Lanka
- On 4 April 2025, Sri Lanka announced its readiness to engage in bilateral discussions with the United States to explore solutions for addressing their trade imbalance. [Ministry Statement]
Switzerland
- On 10 April 2025, Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter confirmed tariff talks with President Trump. She noted that they had agreed to continue discussions in the future. [Media Report]
- On 3 April 2025, the Federal Council instructed the EAER to begin preparatory work on a possible solution with the USA. [Government Announcement]
Thailand
- On 8 April 2025, Thailand unveiled its trade negotiation plans, featuring revised import tariffs and mechanisms to address US concerns about underpriced Thai imports. [Official Announcement]
- On 3 April 2025, Prime Minister Shinawatra announced Thailand would hold talks with the US to lower the 36% tariff. [Media Report]
United Kingdom
- On 23 April 2025, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister's office announced that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is meeting US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington this week. The British government did not rule out reducing tariffs on automotive imports as part of ongoing trade negotiations. [Media Report]
- On 18 April 2025, Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with US President Donald Trump about ongoing trade discussions, reiterating his commitment to free and open trade while emphasising the importance of protecting the UK’s national interests. [Official Announcement]
- On 3 April 2025, the Trade Secretary announced that the government sought a negotiated deal with the US but that they reserved the right to retaliate. [Official Announcement]
Vietnam
Made Concessions:
Argentina
- On 4 April 2025, President Milei committed to resolving trade asymmetry with the US and instructed officials to change necessary norms. [Presidential Statement]
Bangladesh
- On 3 April 2025, the National Board of Revenue began identifying options to rationalize tariffs on US imports. [Government Update]
Cambodia
Chine Taipei
- On 11 April 2025, Chinese Taipei presented US counterparts with a proposal for a zero-tariff regime and committed to "greater purchases and investments in the country". [Media Report]
Israel
- On 1 April 2025, the government announced the cancellation of its remaining tariffs on imports from the United States in anticipation of the Reciprocal Tariff announcement. [Official Statement]
Vietnam
- On 10 April 2025, Vietnam reported constructive meetings between Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc and several US officials. Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to working with the US to maintain stable and sustainable economic and trade relations. [Government Announcement]
- On 5 April 2025, Vietnam offered to remove all tariffs on US imports in response to Trump's action. [Media Report]
Zimbabwe
- On 5 April, the President announced that the country would suspend all import tariffs levied on US goods. [President Announcement]
Not taking further actions
ASEAN
- On 10 April 2025, the ten Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) committed to refrain from imposing retaliatory measures in response to the US tariffs. ASEAN comprises Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. [Official Statement]
Falkland Islands
- On 4 April 2025, the trade representative of the Falkland Islands' Legislative Assembly, Teslyn Barkman, clarified that they would not be responding with retaliatory tariffs. [Media Report]
Montenegro
- On 7 April 2025, Montenegro's Economy Minister Gjeloshaj confirmed they would not increase duties in response as they are "devoted" to their "unity and partnership with the US". [Media Report]
New Zealand
- On 3 April 2025, New Zealand's Prime Minister clarified that the country would not implement additional tariffs against the United States. [Media Report]
South Africa
- On 11 April 2025, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, stated that the South African government does not intend to retaliate against the new US tariffs. [Media Report]
Sources we are watching
- Devon Whittle has recently added his own tracker fo reactions to the "reciprocal" tariffs.