By Affan Bin Farhan
Business executives from around the world have voiced serious concerns following President Trump’s abrupt imposition of new export tariffs on over 90 countries, fundamentally altering the international trade landscape.
Mexico
While Canada immediately faced increased duties, Mexico received a 90-day reprieve.
Jaime Chamberlain of Chamberlain Distributing (Nogales, Arizona), which imports millions of produce boxes from Mexico annually, praised negotiating diplomacy: “If it takes 90 more days to get it right, I think it’s very worthwhile.” Despite the pause, Chamberlain warned bean farmers may retreat from export production if duties persist, making continued operations untenable without clarity.
Thailand
Initially facing a steep 36% tariff, Thailand secured a deal to reduce it to 19%.
Richard Han, CEO of Hana Microelectronics, expressed initial shock at the proposed rate but believes the company can adapt. He likens the tariff to a sales tax, noting: “If all of us in this region end up with around 20%, our buyers won’t seek alternative suppliers—it will just be a tax, like VAT for U.S. consumers.”
Italy
European negotiators pushed back, keeping tariffs at 15%, half of the original threat. But this is still markedly higher than the previous average of 4.8%. The agricultural, pharmaceutical, and auto sectors are expected to be the hardest hit, with Italy’s GDP forecast to drop by 0.2%.
Cristiano Fini of the Italian farmers’ union described the deal as feeling more like “a surrender,” and trade groups are already lobbying the EU for financial support.
Brazil
Tariffs surged from an estimated 10% to as high as 50%, after Trump criticized Brazil’s actions against U.S. tech firms. Although exemptions exist—for instance, orange juice and aircraft—the coffee sector is bracing for impact. Cecafé, Brazil’s coffee exporters council, warned of “significant” consequences for U.S. prices and said it won’t be easy reallocating exports of some 8.1 million tonnes despite emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East.
Switzerland
Hopes for a 10% rate faded when Switzerland was slapped with a 39% tariff, the highest among European nations. Companies in the pharmaceuticals, jewelry, and machine tools industries are under threat. Swissmechanic stated: “The U.S. is sending a clear protectionist signal… now negotiations must be urgent and decisive.”
India
A 25% tariff has been applied, with additional threats tied to India’s oil imports from Russia. Aurobindo Nayak of Kolkata-based CI Ltd—major tea exporter—warns U.S. consumers will feel the brunt: “This will have an inflationary effect… American consumers themselves are going to be hit hard.”
Laos
Nations like Laos now face tariffs as high as 40%. Xaybandith Rasphone, vice-president of the Lao national chamber of commerce, explained the impact: “Laos exports mainly agricultural products… nearly 60,000 jobs could be affected, indirectly more.”
Canada
With a new 35% rate, most goods remain exempt under existing trade treaties, yet integrated supply chains are driving costs upward. David Hope at Hope Aero notes that U.S. suppliers are already raising prices—including a rumored blanket 10% across components following steel and aluminum tariff hikes.
These global reactions underscore the severity of Trump’s expanded tariff policy. From small exporters in Southeast Asia to major industrial sectors in Europe and the Americas, trade leaders see this as a major wake‑up call—demanding urgent clarity, support, and strategic recalibration.
