These are the ‘Dirty 15’ countries Trump might target with Liberation Day tariffs

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent coined the term “Dirty 15” in an interview with FOX Business in March regarding the 15% of countries that make up the largest trade deficits with the U.S. (Vincent Alban/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

| Published April 3, 2025

Washington, D.C. – In a major escalation of his trade agenda, former President Donald Trump has unveiled a sweeping tariff policy targeting what he calls the “Dirty 15” countries. The tariffs, announced as part of his proposed Liberation Day economic plan, aim to curb what he describes as unfair trade imbalances and protect American industries.

The plan includes a universal 10% tariff on all imports to the U.S., but certain countries face significantly higher penalties.

 

 

Who Are the ‘Dirty 15’?

The list includes countries that Trump claims have taken advantage of the U.S. through high trade surpluses or unfair market practices. Here are the reported tariff rates for each nation:

Cambodia – 49%

Laos – 48%

Vietnam – 46%

Myanmar – 44%

Bangladesh – 37%

Thailand – 36%

China – 34%

Taiwan – 32%

Indonesia – 32%

Switzerland – 31%

South Africa – 30%

Pakistan – 29%

India – 26%

South Korea – 25%

Japan – 24%

Trump has long argued that these countries impose excessive tariffs on American goods while benefiting from relatively low tariffs when exporting to the U.S. His administration contends that these new duties will restore balance and encourage foreign governments to negotiate fairer trade deals.

 

Economic and Political Fallout

The announcement has already sent shockwaves through global markets, with Asian stocks in particular suffering declines following the news. European officials have strongly criticized the move, warning that retaliatory tariffs could follow.

“This is economic warfare, not policy,” said one European Union trade official, signaling potential countermeasures.

Domestically, reactions have been mixed. While some American manufacturers praise the move as long overdue, industries reliant on imports fear higher costs and supply chain disruptions. Retailers and tech companies, many of which depend on products from Asia, have already expressed concerns that the tariffs could lead to inflation and higher consumer prices.

Economists remain divided. Some argue that these tariffs could fuel a global trade war, harming economic growth. Others see them as a necessary step toward reducing America’s trade deficit and reviving domestic production.

 

What Comes Next?

Trump has vowed that, if elected, these tariffs will be among his administration’s top economic priorities. However, opponents are expected to challenge the plan in court and in Congress.

With the 2024 election looming, the success or failure of this policy could have a significant impact on Trump’s bid for a second term—and on the global economy.

 

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SOURCES: FOX NEWS – These are the ‘Dirty 15’ countries Trump might target with Liberation Day tariffs

THE ECONOMIC TIMES – Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs: These ‘dirty 15’ countries are likely to be worst hit by US President’s move

BUSINESS STANDARD – Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs: Which countries will be hit the hardest?

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