Daijiworld Media Network- Washington

Washington, Feb 18: US President Donald Trump has introduced a new trade policy emphasizing fairness and reciprocity, announcing that the United States will impose reciprocal tariffs on countries that levy tariffs on American goods.

Trump stated that this move aims to counter unfair trade practices, including hidden trade barriers, subsidies, and VAT systems, while encouraging other nations to lower or eliminate tariffs on US exports.

In a post on X on Monday (local time), Trump declared, "On trade, I have decided, for purposes of fairness, that I will charge a reciprocal tariff, meaning, whatever countries charge the United States of America, we will charge them – no more, no less!"

He further explained that the policy would account for VAT systems, which he described as more punitive than traditional tariffs. Additionally, he warned against countries attempting to bypass tariffs by rerouting goods through third nations, calling such practices unacceptable.

The post also highlighted measures addressing subsidies and nonmonetary trade barriers that prevent American businesses from entering foreign markets. Trump stated that the US has the capability to assess the economic impact of these hidden trade restrictions.

"If a country feels that the United States would be getting too high a tariff, all they have to do is reduce or terminate their tariff against us. There are no tariffs if you manufacture or build your product in the United States," the statement read.

Trump underscored that the US has long borne financial burdens to assist other nations and stressed that it was time for them to offer fair treatment in return.

To implement this policy, he has directed the Secretary of State, secretary of commerce, secretary of the treasury, and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to take the necessary steps to enforce trade reciprocity effectively.