President Donald Trump is set to announce a significant set of mutual tariffs on Wednesday, where he is expected to apply duties on several nations as part of what his administration has termed “liberation day.”
Trump and his administration have consistently criticized various nations for unfair trade practices against the United States, advocating for tariffs to address the nation’s 2024 trade deficit of $1.2 trillion.
Though a large tariff has been foreshadowed for Wednesday, the White House has not disclosed specifics regarding the possible tariffs or which nations will be affected.
Nevertheless, there is speculation surrounding a group of countries known as the “Dirty 15” that may encounter new obligations.
The “Dirty 15” phrase originated from an interview with Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent on Fox Business on March 18th.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent coined the term “Dirty 15” during a Fox Business interview in March referring to about 15% of the countries that contribute most to the trade deficit with the United States. (Vincent Alban/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Still, the Trump administration has offered some hints and indicated specific countries in certain official publications.
For instance, documents issued by the US trade representatives in March identifying “unfair” trade practices highlighted nations such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Additionally, the 2024 Ministry of Commerce Trade Deficit Report listed the countries with the largest trade deficits with the United States, including China, the European Union, Mexico, Vietnam, Ireland, Germany, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Canada, India, Thailand, Italy, Switzerland, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
The Treasury did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital for comment.
The White House also did not respond to Fox News Digital regarding which nations might be subject to new tariffs and whether they are part of the “Dirty 15” list.
Trump indicated that tariffs would go beyond just 15 nations. He mentioned to a reporter on Air Force 1 on Sunday that tariffs would encompass more than 15 nations, insisting that “you start with all countries.”
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt informed reporters on Tuesday that Trump had been discussing with his trade team that day, and that tariffs would take effect shortly after the Rose Garden ceremony on Wednesday.
Liberation Day “is one of the most significant days in modern American history,” Leavitt stated on Tuesday, noting that Trump has been in conversations with various nations regarding potential tariffs they could face.
“I can assure you there are numerous countries that have reached out to the president to discuss these tariffs,” Leavitt conveyed to reporters.
The EU is warning of “strong measures” as Trump’s tariff deadlines near
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will address the media regarding the tariffs on Monday. (Getty Images)
Leavitt also dismissed worries that tariffs have been ineffective and will raise prices for consumers.
Lawmakers from both parties have voiced concerns regarding the impact of tariffs on their constituents, including former Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell from Kentucky. McConnell stated in February that broad tariffs would significantly increase “consumer costs.”
However, Leavitt asserted that tariffs would boost the US economy.
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“This will succeed, and the president has a remarkable team of advisors who have been examining these matters for years. We aim to restore America’s golden era and position the nation as a manufacturing powerhouse,” Leavitt shared on Tuesday.
While specifics remain limited, new mutual tariffs are anticipated to align with tariff rates of other nations and tackle issues like regulations, government subsidies, and exchange rate policies to help eliminate trade obstacles.
“For decades, we have been deceived and mistreated by every country globally, whether allies or adversaries. It’s time for America to reclaim some wealth,” Trump remarked in a March post regarding the liberation day.
The Trump administration has already enforced a 20% tariff on imports from China, a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, duties on specific goods from Mexico and Canada, and a 25% tariff on imported vehicles.
Emma Colton from Fox News contributed to this report.
