Hold onto your wallets. If you thought Trump’s first presidency was tough on trade, 2025 is looking like a full-blown tariff tsunami.
In just the past week, the U.S. has announced sweeping new tariffs on Canada, copper, and a broad range of BRICS-aligned nations—with more on the way. Businesses, markets, and entire governments are scrambling to figure out how this plays out.
Let’s break it down in plain terms.
🇨🇦 Canada Just Got Hit with 35% – Yes, Thirty-Five
As of August 1, Canadian imports will face a whopping 35% tariff—a dramatic increase from the earlier 25%. The official reason? Fentanyl trafficking and so-called “unfair dairy practices.” But many are seeing it as political theater dressed up in economic policy.
Canada, a longtime U.S. ally and trade partner under USMCA, is furious. Ottawa is threatening retaliation and reviewing options for targeted counter-tariffs.
What’s exempt? Thankfully, some USMCA-compliant goods and essential energy products may be spared—for now.
🥇 Copper: The 50% Shockwave
This one took markets by surprise. Starting August 1, a 50% tariff on copper imports—including raw and semi-finished goods—will be implemented under national security grounds (Section 232).
Why does this matter?
Copper is the lifeblood of electronics, EVs, power grids, and defense systems. Hitting it with a 50% tariff could drive prices sky-high, disrupt global supply chains, and even impact clean energy progress.
Already, copper prices have surged past $5.70/lb on futures markets.
🌍 BRICS Countries – Watch Your Back
There’s more. Trump has warned that countries aligning with BRICS—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and their newer friends like UAE, Egypt, and Indonesia—are about to get slapped with an extra 10% “alignment tariff.”
That’s on top of existing duties. Meaning a country like Brazil could soon face 60% tariffs on some exports to the U.S.
The message is clear: align with America, or pay the price.
💰 $300 Billion in Tariff Revenues? That’s No Small Deal
So far this year, the U.S. has already collected over $100 billion in tariff revenue. Projections for the rest of 2025? Nearly $300 billion—a historic high.
But here’s the real question: who pays these tariffs?
| Year | Tariff Revenue Collected | Major Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | ~$33 billion | Pre-Trump baseline |
| 2018 | ~$50 billion | Trump-era China tariffs begin |
| 2020 | ~$74 billion | Pandemic year, still elevated |
| 2022 | ~$81 billion | Post-COVID normalization |
| 2025 (projected) | $300 billion+ | All-time high, driven by 10–50% tariffs |
- 2025 will likely triple the previous record, mainly due to:
- Universal 10% tariff (April)
- Copper (50%), Canada (35%), autos/steel/aluminum (25–50%)
- No broad exemptions like in earlier rounds
This is unprecedented in modern U.S. trade history, even compared to early 20th-century tariffs before income taxes existed.
⏰ What to Watch Next
- August 1: Major implementation date for Canada and copper tariffs
- BRICS Tariff Timing: Could be announced within days
- Retaliation from Canada, Brazil, EU? Almost guaranteed
- Blanket 15–20% tariffs: Trump hinted at even more coming tariffs—no names yet, but many countries are bracing
✋ Final Thought: Are We in a Trade War… Again?
Whether you call it a trade war 2.0, a nationalist reset, or simply economic hardball, one thing’s clear:
Trump isn’t bluffing.
Whether that strengthens American industry or sparks worldwide retaliation—that story is still being written.
💬 What Do You Think?
Are these tariffs a necessary reset or a reckless gamble?
Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇
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Stay sharp. Stay informed
Disclaimers
This article is for reference purposes only and is based on publicly available information as of 2025. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, the details mentioned may have changed after the publication date. Readers are advised to consult official sources for the most current information
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