President Trump has directed his advisers to develop new “reciprocal” tariffs that could impact nearly every country globally, with India, Japan, and the European Union potentially facing the most significant effects.
The proposed tariffs, which may take effect on or after April 2, will be based on the tariffs imposed by other nations on U.S. goods, as well as other taxes, subsidies, and practices deemed unfair by Trump. He emphasized that his primary objective is to incentivize companies to relocate manufacturing to the United States.
Trump stated, “If you build here, you’ll have no tariffs whatsoever,” during a meeting in the Oval Office.
This announcement came shortly before a scheduled meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose country has been criticized by Trump for imposing high tariffs on U.S. imports. The two leaders are expected to hold a news conference, with live updates anticipated.
Historically, U.S. tariff levels have been determined through negotiations at international organizations like the World Trade Organization. Trump aims to replace this system with one governed solely by U.S. officials based on their own criteria.
Eswar Prasad, a trade policy professor at Cornell University, remarked, “These tariff proposals amount to a declaration of an all-out trade war against practically all major U.S. trading partners. It is stunning and disappointing to see the country that had been the leading proponent of free trade now engaged in a direct assault on the rules and principles underlying that system.”
In related news, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders have asserted their need for a role in peace negotiations following Trump's discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the ongoing war. Trump suggested potential changes to Ukraine's borders and indicated that NATO membership could be contingent upon negotiations.
European leaders, including those from Britain and Germany, expressed their desire to be involved in the peace process. Germany’s defense minister stated that Europe would have to deal with the consequences of any agreements made.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine would not accept any agreements made without its participation, highlighting the precarious position Ukraine finds itself in amid the thawing U.S.-Russia relations.
Looking ahead, Trump mentioned the possibility of meeting Putin in Saudi Arabia for further discussions, marking a significant moment in the three-year conflict. Ukrainians have expressed mixed feelings of fear and hope regarding the potential for peace talks.
In another development, Hamas announced its readiness to release Israeli hostages this weekend, contingent upon Israel adhering to the cease-fire agreement. Earlier, Hamas had suspended the next release due to alleged Israeli violations of the deal, with Israel yet to respond.
In other news, a dam project near Prague aimed at protecting a river and its endangered wildlife was delayed for years until beavers constructed their own dams, creating a wetland twice the size of the original plan and saving authorities approximately 1.2 million euros.
David Edward Byrd, known for his iconic concert posters featuring artists like Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones, has passed away at the age of 83.
As “Saturday Night Live” celebrates its 50th anniversary, the show continues to be recognized for its cultural impact and has launched the careers of numerous stars. A new biography explores the legacy of its creator, Lorne Michaels.
For those interested in culinary delights, a chocolate cheesecake with raspberry swirl is recommended for Valentine's Day, while “Paddington in Peru” offers a heartwarming cinematic experience. Additionally, the game “Avowed” presents players with significant choices and an engaging narrative.
For travel enthusiasts, a 36-hour itinerary in Guadalajara, Mexico, is suggested, along with various games such as Spelling Bee, Mini Crossword, Wordle, and Sudoku available for enjoyment.
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