Russia Reportedly Among Countries Targeted by US Reciprocal Tariffs Set for April 2

The White House plans to impose reciprocal tariffs starting April 2, although their scope may be narrower than expected. Russia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and Vietnam could be targeted, WSJ reported on March 23.

“April 2nd is Liberation Day in America!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “For DECADES we have been ripped off and abused by every nation in the World, both friend and foe. Now it is finally time for the Good Ol’ USA to get some of that MONEY, and RESPECT, BACK. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!”

The tariffs set to take effect on April 2 were expected to include tariffs on sectors like automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors, which Trump has repeatedly promised to implement.

However, these sector-specific tariffs are now unlikely to be announced on April 2, according to an administration official. While the White House still intends to unveil the reciprocal tariff action on that day, the planning remains fluid, the outlet added.

Some of the countries that may be tariffed are Russia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Vietnam and more, WSJ wrote, citing a person familiar with the matter.

The news agency added that the focus of the reciprocal action now appears to be more targeted than initially expected, according to sources familiar with the planning. However, it will still affect countries that account for the majority of US imports.

On March 24, US President Donald Trump stated that the agreement on rare earth metals with Ukraine has already been made and will be signed soon.