Trump Tariffs: Who’s Hit the Hardest? Top 10 Countries Facing Steepest US Duties

Former President Donald Trump on Thursday unveiled a sweeping package of new tariffs, including a 10% global baseline and significantly higher duties—some reaching 41%—for nations running trade surpluses with the United States or failing to align with U.S. economic and security priorities.

The executive order, issued just ahead of a Friday trade deal deadline, imposes punitive tariffs on 69 trading partners, including both countries and the European Union. While some nations negotiated limited exemptions, many were hit without prior engagement.

Key tariff hikes include:

• 35% on many Canadian goods

• 50% on Brazilian exports

• 25% on Indian products

• 20% on goods from Taiwan

• 39% on Swiss items

For countries not specifically listed, a default tariff of 10% will apply starting in seven days.

“Despite negotiations, some countries have failed to offer terms that sufficiently address trade imbalances or align with U.S. national security interests,” Trump stated in the order.

Fentanyl-Linked Tariffs and Canadian Tensions

Canada faced especially steep penalties, with tariffs on select exports rising from 25% to 35%, which Trump justified by citing Ottawa’s alleged lack of cooperation in curbing fentanyl flows into the U.S.

A senior U.S. official emphasized that while some trade deals were in the works, “reciprocal” tariffs would be enforced immediately. “We have some deals… but I don’t want to get ahead of the President,” the official told reporters.

Top 10 Countries Hit Hardest by New Tariffs:

1. Syria – 41%

2. Laos – 40%

3. Myanmar – 40%

4. Switzerland – 39%

5. Iraq – 35%

6. Serbia – 35%

7. Algeria – 30%

8. Bosnia and Herzegovina – 30%

9. Libya – 30%

10. South Africa – 30%

Mexico Spared, For Now

In contrast to Canada, Mexico was spared from additional tariffs following a phone call between Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Thursday morning. Trump agreed to delay a planned 30% tariff on most Mexican non-metal and non-automotive exports that comply with the USMCA trade deal.

“We avoided the tariff increase announced for tomorrow,” Sheinbaum posted on X, calling the call “very good.”

Still, Trump reaffirmed that 50% tariffs would remain on Mexican steel, aluminum, and copper, along with 25% duties on Mexican cars and fentanyl-flagged goods that fall outside the USMCA framework. Around 85% of Mexico’s exports reportedly meet USMCA origin rules, shielding them from some of the harshest penalties.

The announcement marks a dramatic escalation in Trump’s trade agenda as he intensifies his push for what he calls “reciprocal trade” and ramps up pressure on long-time allies and trading partners ahead of further trade talks.