United States Pursues Proposed Tariff Increases
The United States of America, often simply referred to as America, is one of the most powerful countries in the world. Spanning approximately 9.8 million square kilometers, it is the third-largest country on the globe, composed of 50 federal states.
One of the key aspects of America's economic prowess lies in its global trade activities. Goods, which are items sold, are not only exchanged within the country's borders but also with other nations across the globe.
However, trade relations between the USA and other countries have been subject to various tariffs, taxes imposed on imported goods. For instance, within the European Union (EU), member states have collectively applied a reciprocal tariff of 15% on most goods exported from the EU to the USA since August 2025, as part of a trade agreement with the US. Outside the EU, Switzerland imposed a reciprocal tariff of up to 39% on US imports starting August 2025, following failed negotiations for a trade deal with the US.
On the other hand, countries like Canada and Mexico generally benefit from lower or exempt tariffs under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). Meanwhile, China faces varying US tariffs, often up to 30% or higher on key products.
Examples of goods that are subject to these tariffs include cars, machines, televisions, and books. These tariffs can significantly impact the cost of these goods for consumers in the affected countries, potentially influencing trade patterns and economic relationships.
As the world continues to evolve, it will be interesting to observe how these tariffs and trade agreements shape the global economy in the years to come.