Trump Imposes New Tariffs on Iraq, Philippines, and Four Other Countries

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on imports from six countries, including Iraq and the Philippines, as part of his administration’s expanding trade measures aimed at reducing trade deficits and boosting domestic industries.

The tariffs, set to take effect on August 1, will impose a 30% duty on goods from Iraq, Algeria, Libya, and Sri Lanka, a 25% tariff on Brunei, and a 20% tariff on imports from the Philippines. The measures were outlined in letters released by Trump, emphasizing that the rates are part of what he describes as “reciprocal tariffs” to ensure fairer trade terms for the United States.

Trump stated that these tariffs follow a 90-day negotiation window given to the affected countries to reach alternative trade arrangements, warning that no extensions would be granted beyond the deadline. The president framed the new duties as necessary to protect American workers and industries while addressing what he claims are imbalances in trade relationships.

The countries targeted by these tariffs vary in their trade relationships with the United States, with Iraq supplying oil imports, while the Philippines exports electronics, agricultural products, and other goods to the U.S. Trump’s administration has maintained that such tariffs are part of a broader strategy to encourage domestic manufacturing and reduce dependency on foreign goods.

Critics of the policy have raised concerns about potential impacts on consumer prices and the risk of retaliatory measures from the affected countries, which could further complicate global trade flows.

The new tariffs add to the administration’s series of trade actions introduced earlier this year, reflecting Trump’s continued commitment to using trade policy as a tool to advance his economic agenda ahead of the upcoming election cycle.

With input from Al Jazeera