What To Know About Reciprocal Tariffs—And Inflation Impact

By Derek Saul
Forbes Magazine
February 13, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, International

Reciprocal tariffs are straightforward in theory: The U.S. would pose the same levies on imported goods from a given country that the other country imposes on their U.S. imports. But it gets far murkier in practice, as countries often charge different tariffs on different classes of goods. Goldman Sachs economists outlined three approaches Trump could take. “Country-level reciprocity” is the “simplest” strategy which would have the U.S. impose the same average tariffs. “Product-level reciprocity by country” would have the U.S. place marching tariffs on a good-by-good basis by trading partner.” Reciprocity including non-tariff barriers” is the “most difficult” approach as it would encompass a complicated web of inputs including inspection fees and value-added taxes. …4.8% is the U.S.’ weighted average tariff rate if Trump implemented the country-level strategy. …Goods from the 20 countries the U.S. has free trade agreements with, including Australia, Canada, Mexico and Panama, won’t be affected – though Trump has targeted several of those countries in recent weeks.

Read More