Caroline Levitt, White House Spokesperson
"Now is the Time for Reciprocity"
US President Donald Trump’s administration reaffirmed on the 31st that there will be no exceptions or exemptions in the country-specific reciprocal tariff policy to be announced on the 2nd of next month (local time).
White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt told reporters that day, "The President will announce a tariff plan to reverse unfair trade practices that have exploited our country for decades," adding, "Now is the time for reciprocity and for the President to bring about historic change by doing what is right for the American people."
She explained that the reciprocal tariff announcement on the 2nd will take place in the White House Rose Garden with all of the Trump administration’s second-term aides participating. The Rose Garden is primarily used for major events such as joint press conferences between the US President and foreign leaders. This indicates the White House places great significance on this reciprocal tariff announcement.
Levitt did not specify the countries subject to reciprocal tariffs or the tariff rates. When asked if lower tariffs might be applied to certain products for the benefit of US farmers, she responded, "There are currently no exemptions."
Reaffirming the policy on reciprocal tariffs, Levitt cited several examples of unfair trade practices by other countries, including the European Union’s 50% tariff on dairy products, Japan’s 700% tariff on rice, India’s 100% tariff on agricultural products, and Canada’s 300% tariff on butter and cheese.
She explained, "As a result, it has become virtually impossible for American products to be imported into these markets," adding, "Consequently, many Americans and businesses have lost jobs (and business opportunities) over the past several decades."
When asked whether countries like Australia, which have no tariffs on US goods but impose non-tariff barriers, would also be subject to reciprocal tariffs, she replied, "Any country that treats Americans unfairly should expect tariffs."
Regarding whether the trade policy might be reconsidered amid the stock market’s sharp decline due to tariff uncertainties, Levitt said, "Wall Street will be fine under this administration just as it was during the first term."
President Trump has been imposing tariffs on specific items consecutively, following the implementation of steel and aluminum tariffs on the 12th and the announcement of automobile tariffs on the 26th. On the 2nd of next month, he is expected to announce reciprocal tariffs reflecting country-specific tariffs and non-tariff barriers, followed by additional tariffs on items such as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.
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