Increased Tariffs: Trump Announces Steep Rise in Customs Duties from 10% to 41% Over Various Nations, Effective in Seven Days
In a significant move, President Donald Trump has announced higher tariffs on imports from more than 60 trading partners, effective August 1, 2025. The tariffs range from a minimum of about 10% for most countries to as high as 41% for Syria, 40% for Laos and Myanmar [1].
The tariffs apply to goods imported into the U.S. for consumption starting just after midnight on August 1. For the United States' three largest trading partners, the tariffs are treated separately. For instance, duties on Canadian goods will increase significantly from the current 25% [1]. The exact new rate for Canada is not stated in the search results.
The tariffs stem from a broader strategy announced earlier this year. On April 2, 2025, President Trump imposed a general 10% tariff on all countries, with higher individualized rates for countries with large U.S. trade deficits [2]. The President has since revised those reciprocal tariff rates based on negotiation outcomes, placing some countries on specific modified tariff schedules, while leaving others at the baseline 10% rate [2][4].
Countries that have not negotiated with the U.S. generally face steeper tariffs. For example, Colombia and the Dominican Republic were initially threatened with 25% tariffs on all products, but these have been rescinded earlier in 2025 and reinstated effective late July [3]. On the other hand, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Equatorial Guinea face 15% tariffs with some exceptions, delayed until early August [3]. The European Union has a complex tariff scheme ranging from 0% to as high as 200% depending on product categories, with some delays implementing tariffs [3].
Experts warn that these tariff increases will raise the cost of trade for most countries and the U.S., potentially disrupting global supply chains, increasing prices for consumers, and complicating international trade relationships. Greg Daco, chief economist at EY-Parthenon, highlighted that "for most economies and most of our trading partners, the cost of doing trade tomorrow will be higher than it is today" [1].
The strategic tariff escalation reflects the Trump administration's ongoing effort to push for "fair, balanced, and reciprocal" trade terms but poses risks of trade friction and economic disruption globally.
| Country/Region | Tariff Rate | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | | Syria | 41% | Highest listed rate [1] | | Laos, Myanmar | 40% | Very high rates [1] | | Canada | Above 25% | Previous rate 25%, now increased [1] | | Colombia | 25% | All products, threatened and rescinded earlier in 2025, reinstated effective late July [3] | | Dominican Republic | 25% | All products, related to Venezuelan oil purchases [3] | | Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, DRC, Equatorial Guinea | 15% | All products with some exceptions, delayed until early August [3] | | European Union | Range 0% to 200% | Complex scheme depending on product, with some delays [3] | | Other countries | Minimum ~10% or more | Baseline tariff for countries not on Annex I [1][2] |
[1] Source: Tariff Tracker [2] Source: Executive Order 13806 [3] Source: USTR Tariff Finder [4] Source: USTR Annex I
- The tariffs on Canadian goods, previously at 25%, are expected to rise even further, according to a recent announcement by President Trump.
- The imposition of higher tariffs on several countries, including Syria with a rate of 41%, and Laos and Myanmar with a rate of 40%, is a part of the President's strategic approach to trade.
- Experts, such as Greg Daco, chief economist at EY-Parthenon, have warned that these tariff increases could potentially disrupt global supply chains, increase prices for consumers, and complicate international trade relationships.
- The tariff rates for regions like Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Equatorial Guinea are set at 15% for most products, with some exceptions and delays.
