讀後心得

The United States will implement a new tariff policy starting from the early morning of April 5, with the first affected countries including Australia and the United Kingdom. Goods that have already been shipped to the United States can enjoy a 51-day exemption period, and if they arrive before May 27, they will be exempt from a 10% tariff. The new tax rates range between 11% and 50%, with European Union goods at 20%, Taiwan at 32%, and China at 34%. This could lead to rising prices for consumers in the United States and globally, while Trump claims it will boost the U.S. economy. However, the stock market subsequently plunged, wiping out $5 trillion in market value. China and the European Union have taken retaliatory measures against the U.S., and economists warn that the changes in tariffs will impact global trade.

The new regulations for U.S. ports, airports, and customs warehouses began to take effect at 12:01 AM Eastern Time on Saturday (April 5). The first countries affected include Australia, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Argentina, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. However, according to an announcement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, goods that were loaded or boarded for the U.S. before Saturday morning will have 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.

Then, starting next Wednesday (April 9), "reciprocal tariffs" will be implemented, with rates ranging from 11% to 50%. European Union goods will face a 20% tariff, while the tariff rate for Taiwanese goods will be 32%. Chinese goods will be subjected to a 34% tariff, which, when combined with the previously imposed 20% tariff on all imports from China by Trump, will result in a total tariff rate of 54%. On the same day that the new tariff policy was announced, Trump stated that these tariffs would bring the U.S. back to a "golden era," but the market reacted swiftly, with the S&P 500 losing $5 trillion in market value within two days.

On Friday, China implemented a 34% retaliatory tariff on U.S. imports, and the European Union also indicated it would take retaliatory measures, while other countries, including India, adopted a wait-and-see attitude. This policy has become the most aggressive step in Trump's trade policy. Economists have warned that U.S. consumers will face significant price increases, and consumers in other parts of the world will also feel the pressure. A trade lawyer from Hogan Lovells and a former White House trade advisor during Trump's first term believes this marks a significant turning point in global trade relations. She also anticipates that these tariffs may be adjusted as negotiations proceed among countries.

• Implementation time of the new U.S. regulations: 12:01 AM on April 5
• Affected countries: Australia, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Argentina, Egypt, Saudi Arabia
• Grace period for goods: 51 days (until May 27), exempt from 10% tariff
• Reciprocal tariff rates: 11% to 50%
• Tariff on EU goods: 20%
• Tariff on Taiwanese goods: 32%
• Tariff on Chinese goods: 34% (total tariff rate 54%)
• Market reaction: S&P 500 lost $5 trillion in market value