Trump administration confirms no exemptions in upcoming ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs

White House announces plan for reciprocal tariffs to counter foreign trade barriers

As anticipation builds ahead of US President Donald Trump‘s planned “Liberation Day” announcement on April 2, the White House confirmed that no exemptions will be made for foreign nations in the forthcoming round of reciprocal tariffs. The announcement underscores Trump’s focus on correcting what he calls decades of “unfair trade practices” by key trading partners.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that the tariffs would be both country-based and sector-specific, adding that Trump remains committed to implementing them. “It’s time for reciprocity,” she declared at a press briefing.

Tariff discrepancies highlighted

Holding a document outlining current tariff rates imposed on US goods by countries including the European Union, India, Japan, and Canada, Leavitt pointed to what the administration deems disproportionate and restrictive trade practices:

• 50% tariff from the EU on American dairy
• 700% tariff from Japan on American rice
• 100% tariff from India on American agricultural products
• Nearly 300% tariff from Canada on US butter and cheese

“These tariffs make it virtually impossible for American products to compete abroad and have harmed American workers and businesses,” Leavitt said.

New tariff strategy and broader trade goals

Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy aims to impose matching tariffs on countries that levy higher duties on US exports. The administration argues this will offset non-tariff barriers and level the playing field for American industries.

Leavitt added that the proposed tariffs mark a shift toward “historic change” in trade policy and reflect Trump’s intention to defend American economic interests.

USTR trade barriers report released

In parallel with the tariff announcement, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) released its 2025 National Trade Estimate Report. The 397-page report details tariff and non-tariff trade barriers imposed by other countries, from technical regulatory issues to food safety restrictions.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated, “No American President in modern history has recognized the wide-ranging and harmful foreign trade barriers more than President Trump. Under his leadership, we are prioritizing fairness for American workers.”

Key findings from the report

The EU’s delay in approving genetically modified crops and restrictions on pesticides were cited as problematic.

New EU rules on recycled content in plastic packaging were flagged as “potentially unjustified barriers.”

Canada’s supply management system continues to be a trade friction point, with tariffs of 245% on cheese and 298% on butter.

VAT-related burdens were noted in Argentina, Mexico, and the UAE.

China’s VAT rebate practices were described as a form of export subsidy.

It remains unclear how the report will directly influence Trump’s tariff decisions, but it provides detailed backing for the administration’s argument that American exporters face systemic disadvantages globally.

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