President Donald Trump is outlining his plans to impose sweeping new tariffs on other countries that are likely to escalate a global trade war, increase prices and upend a decades-old trade order.
The eyes of the world are on the White House Rose Garden, where Mr Trump, who proclaimed today “Liberation day”, is addressing assembled supporters and the media.
He said he would impose a 25% tariff on all foreign-made vehicles from midnight.
Mr Trump began his speech by promising to make “America wealthy again”. He said: “April 2 2025, will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn, the day America’s destiny was reclaimed.
“For decades, our country has been looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike.”
The tariffs, which are expected to have worldwide repercussions, will hit close allies as well as countries such as China, a source said beforehand.
The new duties, which will undo trade arrangements in place since 1947, are due to take effect immediately.
UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK was “preparing for all eventualities” and “ruling nothing out”.
Trump confirms 25% cars tariff
President Trump has confirmed a 25 per cent tariff on all foreign imported cars.
He highlighted other tariffs other countries charge, saying: “The United States charges other countries only a 2.4 tariff on motorcycles.
“Meanwhile, Thailand and others are charging much higher prices, like 60% –India charges 70%, Vietnam charges 75%, and others are even higher than that.
“Likewise, until today, the United States has for decades, charged a 2.5% tariff. Think of that – 2.5% on foreign made automobiles.”
Jane Dalton2 April 2025 21:16
It’s our turn to prosper and cut taxes, Trump claims
Mr Trump said it was America’s turn to prosper after he signs an executive order introducing global tariffs.
He said: “This is one of the most important days, in my opinion, in American history. It’s our declaration of economic independence.
“For years, hard-working American citizens were forced to sit on the sidelines, as other nations got rich and powerful, much of it at our expense, but now it’s our turn to prosper, and in so doing, use trillions and trillions of dollars to reduce our taxes and pay down our national debt.
“And it all happened very quickly, with today’s action, we are finally going to be able to make America great again, greater than ever.”
Jane Dalton2 April 2025 21:11
‘Let’s make America wealthy again’
Mr Trump began his long- anticipated speech on tariffs by saying: “April 2 2025, will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn, the day America’s destiny was reclaimed, and the day that we began to make America wealthy again, going to make it wealthy, good and wealthy.
“For decades, our country has been looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike.”
Watch: Trump’s Rose Garden speech
President Trump’s announcement will be streamed live on The Independent’s YouTube channel:
Jane Dalton2 April 2025 21:05
Let’s put tariffs on Teslas, says Davey
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey called for the UK to impose tariffs on Tesla cars, made by Elon Musk’s company.
“Let’s put tariffs on Teslas and the tech bros,” he told Channel 4 News, calling for an economic coalition with European and Commonwealth partners to defend free trade.
Jane Dalton2 April 2025 20:52
Editorial: Stand up to Trump, prime minister
In case you missed it at the weekend:
Jane Dalton2 April 2025 20:40
Opinion: My British tech firm could be a big ‘Liberation Day’ loser
Jane Dalton2 April 2025 20:20
Car imports to US face 25% duties within hours
The US government has said it will impose 25 per cent tariffs on automobile imports tomorrow, Thursday, and a similar duty on auto parts a month later.
Jane Dalton2 April 2025 20:00
Watch: The effect of tariffs on the UK
Jane Dalton2 April 2025 19:47
Trump ‘Liberation Day’ live
As well as live updates here tonight, you can follow live coverage of the tariffs announcement on our US blog here.
Jane Dalton2 April 2025 19:20
