Trump slaps 25% tariff on India, warns of more: How it compares globally | The number game explained

India’s position in Trump’s tariff regime (Image: AFP)

The ongoing trade by US President Donald Trump, re-imposition of tariffs on many countries has been ordered through an executive order and unveils modified reciprocal tariffs for 70 countries.

The tariffs range from 10 per cent to over 41 per cent, with differential rates based on geopolitical risk, economic alignment, and trade volume.

Notably, Trump’s order came just a few hours ahead of the United States’ August 1 trade deadline the day that Trump’s so called “Liberation Day” tariffs kicked in.

While countries like Laos, Syria, and Myanmar will face steep new levies of 40 per cent and above, others like the United Kingdom and Brazil have been relatively spared, facing tariffs as low as 10 per cent. The revised rates will take effect August 7, with no grace period for delayed implementation.

In contrast, Mexico was granted a 90-day extension to continue negotiating improved trade terms.

Syria currently tops the list of most affected countries, facing a new tariff rate of 41 per cent. This figure is significant for any nation but particularly for Syria, which is still recovering from a 14-year civil war.

Notably, direct trade between Syria and the United States remains minimal. According to United Nations data cited by Trading Economics, US imports from Syria totaled just $11 million last year, consisting mostly of agricultural products and antiques.

In the past, Syria exported petroleum, raw cotton, and textiles to the US. However, due to over a decade of civil conflict and international sanctions, including those imposed by the US, current trade data is limited.

The existing US sanctions limit trade and investment with Syria, permitting only specific exports, particularly in reconstruction-related areas. With international sanctions already restricting Syrian trade, the true impact of the newly imposed 41 per cent tariff by President Donald Trump remains to be seen.

Laos and Myanmar are the next most affected countries under former President Trump’s newly announced tariffs, each facing a 40 per cent tax.

Trump justified the increased rates by pointing to what he described as unfair trade practices and regulatory barriers in both nations. In a letter addressed to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Trump stated that their “tariff and non-tariff barriers” were “hurting American jobs and industry,” and asserted that the new rate is “non-negotiable.”

Similarly, in correspondence with Min Aung Hlaing, the military leader of Myanmar, Trump wrote that even the 40 per cent rate “is far less than what is needed” to close the US trade gap with the country.

Switzerland is among the countries significantly impacted by Trump’s latest tariff announcement, with a 39 per cent tax imposed on its exports to the United States.

This elevated rate is due to Switzerland being one of the nations that had not concluded a trade framework with the US before the August 1 deadline. In contrast, countries like the European Union, Japan, and South Korea, which secured agreements, face a comparatively lower 15 per cent tariff.

In response, the Swiss government announced stated they are in ongoing discussions with the US and "still hope to find a negotiated solution..." according to a post on X.

In a move separate from his executive order, US President Donald Trump announced an increase in tariffs on Canadian goods from 25 per cent to 35 per cent, effective August 1.

According to the White House, the decision was prompted by Ottawa’s "inaction in the illicit drug crisis," its "retaliation against the United States" for measures taken to address the issue, and its recognition of Palestine as a separate state.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded on Friday, stating, "The Canadian government is disappointed by this action," in an official statement.

Both the countries have been given a 35 per cent tariff.

According to Trump’s new executive order, these four countries have been levied with a 30 per cent tariff.

President Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday increasing tariffs on imports from Brazil to 50 percent. Although Brazil was listed at a 10% tariff in the recent further modifying the reciprocal tariff rates, this new order raises the rate significantly. The increased tariffs will take effect seven days after signing, on August 6.

The Falkland Islands and the United Kingdom are among the countries placed in the lowest tariff bracket of 10% under the recently revised list of reciprocal tariffs released by the White House as part of the Trump administration's trade policy adjustments.

India described by Trump as a “friend” is among the hardest hit by the new executive order, facing a 25% tariff on all imports. An additional penalty will also apply to India’s continued trade with Russia, particularly oil.

This finalized rate is slightly lower than the previously hinted 26%. Within the subcontinent, India carries the high duty, while Pakistan has been assigned a 19% tariff significantly reduced from the initially proposed 29%, as reported by CNN.

Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the American trade team is “frustrated” with negotiations, accusing India of “slow‑rolling things.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled India’s continued purchase of Russian oil as “most certainly a point of irritation.”

A senior US official described the US–India differences as “complex,” cautioning that resolutions would not come quickly due to longstanding geopolitical and market-related challenges.