Second stage of Trump’s customs package in force: 20 percent against EU, 104 against China

That of US President Donald Trump Announced country -specific special tariffs are in force. Since midnight American times (6:01 a.m. CEST), numerous countries have applied significantly higher taxes – especially for those with whom the United States have a particularly high trade deficit according to government information.

For each affected country, an individual duty rate was set, which in addition to classic import levies should also map other trade barriers. From this, the corresponding US customs derives to imports from these countries.

Luxembourg is not listed individually, but falls under the sentence of 20 percent for the entire European Union. However, economists doubt the calculation basis for the country list and criticize that they are based on sometimes incorrect assumptions. Trump again imposed higher tariffs against China – again in response to Beijings countermeasures.

Trump spokeswoman: « Telephone rings continuously »

The first step in the package of measures had already taken effect on Saturday: flat rate import duties from ten percent to goods from all countries. Certain goods are excluded from the tariffs- such as those for which specific customs regulations, such as steel and aluminum products as well as cars and auto parts. In addition, some other products such as copper, medicines, semiconductors, wooden products or certain critical minerals are excluded. However, the White House made it clear that Trump could soon impose special tariffs for these product groups.

The US President presented his new, huge customs package at an event in the rose garden of the White House-under the title « Day of Liberation ». After that, several countries announced countermeasures. Others rely on negotiations. Trump’s spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in Washington that almost 70 countries had contacted the US government so far-the phone « continuously ». Some heads of state immediately wanted to « get on the plane » to take the negotiations.

Additional tariffs against China

With the package, Trump announces the fight all over the world. However, he has a special resentment towards China. He describes the country as the « greatest culprit ». After Beijing reacted to Trump’s announcement with counter -tariffs of 34 percent, Washington again significantly increased the taxes on Chinese products: to a total of 104 percent. On Tuesday (local time), the US President signed a corresponding decree.

Nevertheless, Trump was confident that China will remain ready to negotiate – the country wants to conclude an agreement, but did not know how it could initiate it, he wrote on his Truth Social platform. « We are waiting for your call. It will happen! » Said Trump.

The trade relationship with the EU is also a thorn in the side. Trump excludes an offer from Brussels to abolish all tariffs on industrial goods on both sides. Instead, he demanded that the EU import more American energy as compensation.

EU plans to against tariffs for previous measures

For the afternoon, the EU is expected to agree on the initial countermeasures to the US steel and aluminum tariffs that had already come into force before Trump’s great package of measures. Contrary to original plans, no additional tariffs are likely to be collected on American whiskey.

According to EU circles, around 25 percent of soybeans, clothing as well as iron, steel and aluminum goods are available. Ten percent should be due for other goods. In total, the list should include 66 pages.

As the FAZ reports, some tariffs should come into force next week. Most of the counter -tariffs should therefore only reach out of mid -May and the taxes on almonds and soybeans from December 1st.

The chairwoman of the EU Parliament’s internal market committee, Anna Cavazzini (Greens), spoke of proportionate and considered countermeasures with which the damage to the United States is greater than for the EU.

Worry about global crisis, feud in the white house

Trump’s advance caused the stock exchanges worldwide. After dramatic price losses, things went up again. However, the aggressive trade policy of the US government continues to ensure considerable uncertainty.

It is feared that an escalating trade conflict will plunge the global economy into a deep crisis. In the USA, too, concern is growing before a recession. Even among Trump’s political allies, there is criticism.

So a publicly held feud between tech billionaire Elon Musk and Trump’s business advisor Peter Navarro – apparently triggered by differences about the new customs strategy.

Navarro had indicated that Musk was dissatisfied with the imports of imports, since the business model of his company Tesla rely on cheap components from abroad. Musk then described Navarro as « idiot » that the stupid thing was « as a sack of brick ».

Trump convinces: The « Golden Age » of the USA begins

It is the most aggressive intervention by Trump’s government into global trade policy. Trump is still convinced that the « golden age » of the United States will begin.

With his customs policy, the US President wants to strengthen domestic production and at the same time move foreign trading partners to concessions. The expected additional income should also help to at least partially counteract tax cuts promised in the election campaign.