President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariff policy—dubbed “Liberation Day” tariffs—will take effect next week, applying new import duties on goods arriving by sea starting October 5. The executive order targets more than 70 nations, with tariff rates ranging from 10% to 41%, depending on economic cooperation and diplomatic standing with the U.S.
The policy is aimed at incentivizing fair trade while penalizing countries that have failed to reach new bilateral trade agreements or have maintained protectionist or anti-American policies. Countries closely aligned with adversarial powers or hostile trade practices are being hit hardest.
South Africa, which recently failed to offer trade concessions and remains a member of the anti-U.S. BRICS coalition, faces a 30% tariff. Myanmar and Laos top the list with steep 40% rates, while Syria sees the highest tariff at 41%. Nations like India, Kazakhstan, and Moldova will see 25% duties. Israel, despite its alliance with the U.S., faces a 15% tariff due to trade imbalances.
In contrast, countries such as Brazil and the United Kingdom received more lenient 10% tariffs. Zimbabwe, which recently offered tariff-free access to U.S. goods, remains at 15%. Cambodia, which negotiated a reduced rate from 49%, will pay 19%. The European Union faces a tiered system based on the pre-existing U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS).
The tariffs apply exclusively to goods shipped by vessel starting October 5, giving companies a brief window to adjust shipments. This approach allows the administration to apply pressure without triggering immediate supply chain disruptions.
President Trump framed the move as a defense of American industry and workers, stating it marks a pivot toward economic independence and trade accountability. The policy is expected to bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on hostile foreign markets.
Countries and Tariff Rates Under “Liberation Day” Policy:
- 40% Tariff: Laos, Myanmar (Burma)
- 41% Tariff: Syria
- 39% Tariff: Switzerland
- 35% Tariff: Iraq, Serbia
- 30% Tariff: Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Libya, South Africa
- 25% Tariff: Brunei, India, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Tunisia
- 20% Tariff: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Vietnam
- 19% Tariff: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand
- 18% Tariff: Nicaragua
- 15% Tariff (Standard Rate): Afghanistan, Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Chad, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Ghana, Guyana, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- 10% Tariff: Brazil, Falkland Islands, United Kingdom
- European Union (Tiered Tariff):
- 0% on goods with a Column 1 Duty Rate > 15%
- 15% minus Column 1 Duty Rate on goods with a Duty Rate < 15%
