At eRadio Global, we are always aware of the news that impacts our Latin community, and today, April 2, 2025, the world woke up to an announcement resonating from Washington: President Donald Trump has fulfilled his campaign promise by imposing reciprocal tariffs on 185 countries, marking a milestone in U.S. trade policy. This measure, which came into effect today following a speech at the White House, promises to change the rules of the global economic game, and here we explain what it means with real data and a human touch that connects us.
What are these tariffs and how do they work?
Trump signed an executive order today in the Rose Garden that establishes a base tariff of 10% on all imports from 185 countries, with higher rates—up to 50%—for nations with "trade imbalances" with the United States. According to the White House, this affects over $2.5 trillion in annual goods, from Canadian steel to Asian textiles. "For decades, other countries have been robbing us with their high tariffs. Today is our Day of Liberation," said Trump, surrounded by flags and applause.
For our Latin audience, this sounds like a struggle to defend what is ours, something we know well. But which countries are on the list? All except Mexico and Canada, protected by the USMCA, face this barrier. China, for example, will see a 25% tariff on technology and clothing, while the European Union will pay up to 20% on cars and wines.
Accurate data: The impact in numbers
- Affected volume: Tariffs impact 85% of international trade in the U.S., according to the Department of Commerce.
- Estimated cost: The Tax Foundation estimates that American households will pay $1,200 more per year for imported goods.
- Markets in shock: Today, S&P 500 futures fell by 3%, losing $2 trillion in value in minutes, reported Yahoo Finance.
- Key date: Tariffs start today, April 2, with adjustments scheduled for May 3, according to the Federal Register.
At eRadio Global, we know that these numbers are not just statistics: they represent jobs, grocery prices, and the future of our Latin communities in Canada, the U.S., and beyond.
Why now and what is Trump looking for?
Trump promised this measure since his 2024 campaign, arguing that countries like China and Japan have "abused" the U.S. with their own tariffs of 15-30%. His plan, backed by Republicans in the Senate and the House, uses the revenue from these tariffs—projected at $500 billion annually—to fund tax cuts that expire in 2025. "We are going to bring jobs back and make America rich again," he stated today.
For Latinos, this may echo our struggles for economic justice, but it also poses a risk: basic goods like clothing and food could rise in price. In Brooks, Alberta, where eRadio Global has roots, there is already talk of how local steel could benefit, but at the cost of tensions with neighbours.
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Trump has kept his word, and at eRadio Global we will be here, explaining every step of this global change.