Trump's Historic Tariff Offensive Reshapes Global Trade 

President Donald Trump's wide-ranging tariff policies took effect at midnight on August 7, 2025. This change marks the highest import taxes the United States has imposed since the Great Depression. It impacts over 90 countries and represents a significant moment in Trump's "America First" economic agenda. 

 

Trump's Historic 50% Tariff Bombshell: How the US-India Trade War Could Reshape Global Economics

Trump's Historic 50% Tariff Bombshell: How the US-India Trade War Could Reshape Global Economics 

Breaking news on Trump's double tariff increase to 50% on Indian goods over Russian oil purchases. Complete analysis of economic impacts, India's response, and implications for US-India relations in 2025. 

 

Trump Doubles Down: The Biggest US Tariff Escalation Against India 

US President Donald Trump has made a bold trade decision against India, imposing an extra 25% tariff. This brings the total duties on Indian goods to a staggering 50%. This drastic measure, announced in an executive order on Wednesday, marks one of the highest tariff rates the US has applied to any trading partner worldwide. 

The new tariffs will take effect on August 27. They specifically target India's ongoing purchases of Russian oil, which Trump claims is "fueling the Russian war machine" in Ukraine. This move puts India in the same category as Brazil for tariff rates, significantly higher than the 30% rate applied to China. 

 

Global Trade War and Tariff Escalation

President Trump giving a speech at an official podium

President Donald Trump launched an unprecedented worldwide trade assault, unveiling broad tariffs against dozens of trading nations. Through executive orders as of August 1, 2025, Trump set import duties between 10% and 41% on 69 nations, with Switzerland incurring the largest at 39%, Canada's at 35%, and India's at 25%. The steps are a far more aggressive leap from the 10% starting point tariff revealed in April 2025.

The levies will start to go into effect on August 7, 2025, after a week's delay to give customs authorities sufficient preparation time. The administration of Trump has invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to legitimize these actions, promulgating the U.S. trade deficit as a national emergency. The policy has created a huge market turbulence, with European equities making three-week lows and Asian markets suffering their worst week since April.

Key Countries Impacted:

•            Switzerland: 39% tariff

•            Canada: 35% tariff (up from 25%)

•            Iraq and Serbia: 35% each

•            Algeria, Libya, and South Africa: 30% each

•            India: 25% tariff

•            Taiwan: 20% tariff

Several countries have received initial trade agreements by the administration, such as the European Union (15% tariff), Japan (15%), and South Korea (15%), confirming Trump's negotiation-first philosophy. Mexico was given a 90-day extension period for negotiations after direct presidential talks.