Five countries worst hit by Trump’s tariffs

The US is the second-biggest trading nation in the world after China, and the biggest importer of goods. More than 200 countries, territories and regional associations around the world trade with the US, and on Thursday, the White House released a list of more than 100 of them that would be hit by new tariffs.

The tariff rates include a baseline of 10 per cent on all imports (except those covered by an existing continental trade deal known as CUSMA between the US, Mexico and Canada). These tariffs will come into effect on Saturday, US time.

There are also further reciprocal tariffs on imports from roughly 60 countries dubbed by Trump as the “worst offenders” – those that have their own tariffs on US goods or other barriers in place, including currency manipulation or restrictions. These will come into effect on April 9, US time.

Here are the countries facing some of the steepest – or unexpected – tariff rates.

China

China produces many parts for smartphones which are then exported to the rest of the world, including the US.Credit: Getty Images

Summary: The world’s second-largest economy, second-biggest trading partner for the US and largest trading partner for Australia.

The tariff: 34 per cent.

Justification: In 2024, the US recorded its largest trade deficit (imports greater than exports) in goods with China, importing nearly $US440 billion ($700 billion) worth of goods from the country. Trump has long believed a trade deficit is a bad thing for the US. In 2022, China accounted for 17 per cent of total goods imports into the US. China has also had tariffs on soybeans, pork and certain US-manufactured vehicles.

Exports to the US: Broadcasting equipment, computers, office machine parts.

Lesotho

Lesotho exports to the US will attract massive tariffs.Credit: Alamy

Summary: Southern African nation facing the highest tariff rate of all countries – only French territories Saint Pierre and Miquelon face the same tariff.

The tariff: 50 per cent.

Justification: While the $237.3 million ($378 million) worth of goods imported by the US from Lesotho is a tiny share of total imports, Lesotho only imports $US2.8 million ($4.5 million) worth of US goods, meaning the trade deficit – while relatively small compared to other countries – reflects a significant imbalance between exports and imports. Lesotho also applies tariffs set by the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and clearing fees on imports ranging between $119 to $180 a shipment.

Exports to the US: Diamonds, knit women’s suits, non-knit men’s suits.

European Union

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen says tariffs are “bad for business, and even worse for consumers”.Credit: Bloomberg

Summary: The EU has the world’s largest bilateral trade and investment relationship with the US. Roughly €4.4 billion ($7.7 billion) is traded between the two regions every day. Germany, Ireland and Italy are the biggest exporters to the US.

The tariff: 20 per cent.

Justification: The US has a trade deficit with the EU totalling €157 billion ($273 billion), with Trump claiming the EU “rip us off”. The EU has a 10 per cent “Most Favoured Nation” (MFN) tariff on cars, as well as tariffs on goods like clothing and footwear.

Exports to the US: Medicinal and pharmaceutical products, motor cars and vehicles.

Switzerland

One of Switzerland’s main exports to the US is watches.Credit: Bloomberg

Summary: Since 2021, the US has been Switzerland’s biggest export market.

The tariff: 31 per cent.

Justification: Response to 61 per cent tariffs Switzerland imposes on US products. The US also has a goods trade deficit with Switzerland of $US38.5 billion ($61.5 billion).

Exports to the US: Packaged medical products (vaccines, blood, toxins, cultures) and watches.

Vietnam

Almost a third of Vietnam’s exports go to the US, meaning they stand to be hit hard from any changes US importers make.Credit: Alamy

Summary: Among the worst-hit nations by US tariffs. Nearly 30 per cent of Vietnam’s exports go to the US.

The tariff: 46 per cent.

Justification: The majority of US exports to Vietnam face tariffs of 15 per cent or less, but consumer-oriented food and agricultural products continue to face higher rates. Vietnam also has import bans on certain children’s toys. The US ran a $US124 billion ($198 billion) trade deficit with Vietnam in 2024.

Exports to the US: Broadcasting equipment, computers, and furniture.

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