The United States began yesterday applying the high tariff rates imposed by President Donald Trump, ranging between 10% and 50%, on dozens of trade partners. This is part of Trump’s strategy to reduce the US trade deficit without causing major disruptions in global supply chains, inflation increases, or severe backlash from trade partners.

The US Customs and Border Protection started collecting the high tariffs at 12:01 AM Eastern Time after weeks of anticipation regarding the final rates amid intense negotiations with key trade partners seeking reductions.

Previously, imports from several countries were subject to a basic 10% import duty after Trump suspended the higher rates announced in early April 2025.

Since then, Trump has repeatedly adjusted the tariff plan, imposing much higher rates on some countries, including 50% on imports from Brazil, 39% on Switzerland, 35% on Canada, and 25% on India.

Two days ago, a separate 25% tariff was announced on Indian goods within 21 days due to India’s purchase of Russian oil.

Before the tariffs took effect, Trump promised a flow of “billions of dollars” into the US, mostly from countries he said “exploited the nation.”

Eight major trade partners representing about 40% of US trade flows reached framework agreements with Trump for trade and investment privileges, including the European Union, Japan, and South Korea, leading to a reduction of the basic tariffs they face to 15%.

The UK received a 10% tariff reduction, while Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan, and the Philippines received tariff cuts ranging between 19% and 20%. Trump promoted the huge increase in federal revenues from the import tariffs he imposed, which are ultimately borne by importing companies and consumers of final products.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant said US tariff revenues could reach $300 billion annually.