Former President Donald Trump has unveiled sweeping 30% tariffs on imports from Iraq, Libya, and Algeria, escalating his “Liberation Day” trade agenda ahead of an August 1 deadline. While energy exports like crude oil are exempt, the tariffs will hit industrial goods and non-oil imports, with Trump framing the move as a necessary step to force “fair and reciprocal” trade agreements. The decision follows similar tariff actions against other nations and signals a hardening stance as Trump seeks bilateral deals that favor U.S. trade interests. The announcement has sparked alarm in global markets and drawn sharp reactions from foreign governments and domestic industries alike. Iraqi and Algerian officials have described the move as destabilizing and unjustified, while U.S. businesses warn the tariffs could backfire by raising costs for American consumers and disrupting supply chains. Economists criticize the unilateral approach, warning it risks isolating the U.S. diplomatically, though Trump’s political base views the move as a show of strength against foreign exploitation.
About The Author
