Trump to Announce Sweeping New Tariffs Wednesday, Global Retaliation Expected

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to impose wide-ranging new tariffs on global trading partners Wednesday, a move that threatens to disrupt international trade, raise consumer costs, and spark retaliatory measures from key allies.

Details of the so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs remain closely guarded, but the White House has confirmed they will take effect immediately following Trump’s announcement at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (2000 GMT) in the Rose Garden. A separate 25% global tariff on auto imports is scheduled to be implemented on April 3.

A Major Shift in U.S. Trade Policy

Trump has framed the tariffs as a way to counter what he views as unfair trade practices, arguing that U.S. tariff rates have long been lower than those imposed by other countries. Reports indicate he is considering a universal 20% tariff or country-specific duties at varying rates.

FILE PHOTO: A worker installs parts at the start of an assembly line at an Ariens factory in Brillion, Wisconsin, U.S., March 5, 2025.