Trump: ‘It Will Be 25% and Higher’

Donald Trump

(TheIndependentStar.com) – In a massive effort to reshape American manufacturing and trade, President Donald Trump announced he would impose tariffs of “25% and higher” on key imports.

The new policy, which covers vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors, seeks to bring jobs back to the U.S. and reduce dependency on foreign goods.

This decisive action tackles head-on the unfair trade practices that have been hurting American workers for far too long.

“It will be 25% and higher, and it will go very substantially higher over a course of a year,” Trump stated, highlighting the administration’s commitment to protecting American interests.

He added, “But we want to give them time to come in because, as you know, when they come into the United States, and they have their plant or factory here, there is no tariff, so we want to give them a little bit of a chance.”

This approach demonstrates the president’s strategic thinking, allowing companies time to relocate their production to the U.S. and avoid the tariffs altogether.

It is a win-win situation that encourages job creation on American soil while giving businesses a fair chance to adapt.

The president announced that the tariffs could be implemented as early as April 2, signaling a significant shift in U.S. trade policy.

He emphasized that these tariffs are designed to encourage companies to operate within the United States, potentially leading to a resurgence in American manufacturing.

The move comes as a response to the staggering $235.6 billion trade deficit with the European Union in 2024.

President Trump criticized Europe for not buying more American cars and targeted the bloc’s value-added tax, which he sees as an unfair barrier to U.S. exports.

Currently, the U.S. charges a modest 2.5% tariff on European car imports and 25% on pickup trucks.

The new policy aims to level the playing field and create opportunities for American automakers to compete fairly in the global market.

The tariffs will also target the pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries, addressing concerns over America’s reliance on foreign suppliers for critical goods.

As the largest pharmaceutical importer, the U.S. is set to benefit greatly from increased domestic production, ensuring a more secure supply chain for vital medications.

In the semiconductor sector, the new policy could prompt Asian chip giants like TSMC, Samsung, and SK Hynix to expand their operations in the U.S.

This move aligns perfectly with the administration’s goal of strengthening America’s technological independence and national security.

While critics warn of potential price increases, supporters argue the tariffs are necessary to correct years of trade imbalances and unfair practices that have hollowed out American industries.

By implementing these tariffs, President Trump is sending a clear message to the world: the era of taking advantage of the United States is over.

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