Donald Trump announces global reciprocal tariffs: Why Russia, North Korea were not on the list

Donald Trump has unveiled sweeping new tariffs on imports, targeting a range of global economies but notably omitting Russia and North Korea from the list. The move, announced in a dramatic White House Rose Garden event, has sparked concerns over an escalating trade war.

Speaking against a backdrop of American flags, Trump declared the tariffs a necessary step to protect US industries, calling the day "Liberation Day." The new measures include a 34% tariff on goods from China, 20% on the European Union, and 24% on Japan, with a general 10% baseline tariff for most other nations, including Britain. Trump framed the move as a way to reverse decades of economic exploitation, stating, "For decades, our country has been looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike."

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However, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, and Belarus were not included in the tariffs. A White House official, speaking anonymously to the New York Times, explained that these countries were excluded because they already face "extremely high tariffs and our previously imposed sanctions preclude any meaningful trade with these countries."



The announcement triggered immediate backlash. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denounced the tariffs as "totally unwarranted," while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, despite her ties to Trump, called them "wrong." The European Union has vowed retaliation, with officials warning of countermeasures that could affect US exports.

Wall Street reacted sharply to the news. The S&P index dropped 1.5% in after-hours trading, while the dollar initially fell against the euro before recovering. Businesses in the US have also raised concerns that the tariffs could lead to higher prices for consumers and trigger a broader economic slowdown.

Trump’s stance on tariffs has long been a cornerstone of his economic policy. He insists that such measures will bring a "rebirth" of American manufacturing and encourage companies to relocate to the US "This is Liberation Day," he declared, claiming that the tariffs would "make America wealthy again."

Key allies, however, are seeking ways to mitigate the impact. Britain, which faces a 10% tariff, launched a diplomatic effort, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer personally delivering an invitation from King Charles III for a state visit. Meanwhile, business leaders in affected nations are scrambling to assess the full ramifications of the new trade barriers.