WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a major update to the Trump administration’s economic strategy, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced Sunday that the United States will maintain a minimum 10% tariff on foreign goods for the “foreseeable future.” The move solidifies President Trump’s commitment to rebuilding American manufacturing, restoring fair trade, and protecting U.S. jobs.
“We will not go below 10%,” Lutnick told CNN.
“We’re going to be flexible, country by country—but always smart, and always putting America first.”
✅ A New Era of Economic Independence Under Trump
President Trump launched the historic tariff initiative last month as part of his “Liberation Day” economic policy overhaul. The blanket 10% rate applies to nearly every foreign nation—and sent global markets into a scramble to renegotiate access to the world’s most valuable consumer economy.
“There will always be a baseline,” President Trump said Friday from the White House.
“Maybe we’ll make an exception someday—but only if a nation gives us something truly extraordinary.”
🇬🇧 U.S.–U.K. Trade Deal: A Major Win for Trump’s America First Policy
The first breakthrough came fast. The Trump administration reached a bilateral trade agreement with the United Kingdom that keeps the 10% tariff in place while offering key exemptions:
- ✅ 100,000 British-made cars annually will bypass the 25% U.S. auto tariff
- ✅ British ethanol tariffs slashed from 19% to zero on American exports
- ✅ U.S. removes tariffs on aerospace parts, including Rolls-Royce jet engines
In exchange, the U.K. will match U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum at 25%, aligning with President Trump’s aggressive push to bring back American heavy industry.
While some in Britain claim they “negotiated rates down,” the U.S. insists the 10% baseline still stands firm.
🔁 U.S. & China Begin Major Trade Reset Under Trump
Meanwhile, a new round of high-level trade talks between the U.S. and China kicked off in Switzerland. Scott Bessent and Jamieson Greer met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to restructure trade relations between the world’s two largest economies.
“This is important for American jobs, for American companies, and for national security,” Lutnick said.
“The president’s team is working hard—and the country is behind them.”
President Trump celebrated the developments online, posting:
“GREAT PROGRESS MADE!”
❌ Tariffs Are NOT Hurting American Consumers, Says Trump Official
Despite liberal media claims that tariffs increase prices for U.S. families, Secretary Lutnick pushed back:
“Don’t buy into the false narrative,” he said.
“Foreign companies are absorbing the cost. American-made products aren’t affected. We’re making them compete for once.”
Lutnick emphasized that domestically produced goods avoid these tariffs, giving American companies a competitive edge in the market—and encouraging more Made in America production.
📈 The Broadest U.S. Tariff Package in Over 100 Years
Under President Trump, America is experiencing the largest revival of domestic industry since World War II, backed by the broadest tariff action in a century:
- 145% tariffs on most Chinese imports
- 25% tariffs on foreign automobiles, steel, and aluminum
- Special tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico not aligned with the USMCA agreement
Trump has given all nations until July 8 to renegotiate trade deals—or face even tougher terms. Additional proposals include a 100% tariff on foreign-made films, designed to boost American culture and support U.S. entertainment jobs.
“This is about jobs, growth, and national pride,” Trump said.
“America will no longer be the piggy bank for the world.”
🔔 Final Thoughts for Readers
President Trump’s tariff strategy is reshaping the global trade landscape—returning power to American workers, manufacturers, and small businesses. As negotiations unfold, one thing is clear: under Trump, America comes first.