讀後心得

The United States began enforcing new tariffs in the early hours of April 5, primarily targeting countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom. Goods that have already been shipped or boarded have a 51-day grace period, and if they arrive by May 27, they can be exempt from the 10% tariff. The subsequent reciprocal tariffs will range between 11% and 50%, with Chinese goods facing the highest tariff of 34%, leading to a cumulative tax rate of 54%. This policy has triggered a stock market crash and international retaliation, with economists warning that consumers will face rising prices. Experts believe this will mark a significant shift in global trade practices, which may also be adjusted in the future as negotiations proceed.

The new regulations at U.S. ports, airports, and customs warehouses began to take effect at 12:01 AM Eastern Time on Saturday (April 5). Affected countries include Australia, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Argentina, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. However, according to a notice from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, goods that were shipped or boarded for the U.S. before Saturday morning will enjoy a grace period of 51 days. If these goods arrive before 12:01 AM Eastern Time on May 27, they will be exempt from a 10% tariff.

Next, the "reciprocal tariffs," which will start on Wednesday (April 9), will have rates ranging from 11% to 50%. European Union products will face a 20% tariff, while Taiwanese products will be subject to 32%. Chinese products will incur a 34% tariff, plus the 20% tariff previously imposed by Trump on all imports from China, bringing the total tariff rate to 54%. When the new tariff policy was announced this Wednesday, Trump stated that these tariffs would lead the U.S. back to a "Golden Age." However, the stock market subsequently plummeted, with the market capitalization of S&P 500 companies evaporating by $5 trillion in two days.

In this context, China has implemented a counter-tariff of 34% on U.S. imports, and the European Union has indicated it will take retaliatory measures, while other countries, including India, have chosen to wait and see. This is Trump's most aggressive action to date in his trade policy. Economists point out that U.S. consumers will face significant price increases, and consumers in other parts of the world will also feel the pressure.

Kelly Ann Shaw, a trade lawyer at Hogan Lovells, mentioned: "This is a dramatic shift and significant turning point in how we trade with every country in the world." However, she predicts that as countries negotiate to lower rates, these tariffs will also change.

• Effective date of new U.S. regulations: 12:01 AM Eastern Time on April 5
• Affected countries: Australia, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Argentina, Egypt, Saudi Arabia
• Grace period: 51 days, goods that arrive before May 27 will be exempt from a 10% tariff
• New tariff rates: Ranging from 11% to 50%, EU 20%, Taiwan 32%, China 34% (total can reach 54%)
• Stock market impact: S&P 500 market capitalization evaporated by $5 trillion
• Countermeasures: China 34%, EU retaliation
• Price expectations: U.S. and global consumers will face pressure