The U.S. President Donald Trump has instituted what are termed high tariffs on various countries for a range of reasons, including political motivations and trade practices tied to trade deficits. The countries facing the harshest tariffs—defined as those from which the U.S. reports significant trade disadvantages—are subjected to rates between 41% and 50%, with Syria among those affected.
A 41% customs duty has been imposed on Syria, placing it within the highest tariff brackets despite the minimal trade activity between the two nations. The recent tariff application exposes Syria to theoretical calculations; currently, Syria levies an 81% tariff on its imports from the U.S., which means the new American tariffs can be viewed as merely half that rate in retaliation.
Trade between Syria and the U.S. is virtually nonexistent, resulting from Syria’s economic pivot towards Eastern economies over the years. In 2023, Syrian exports to the U.S. amounted to a mere $11.3 million, while U.S. exports to Syria were only $1.29 million. Despite these small figures in comparison to other Arab and global trade relationships, Syria still holds a substantial trade surplus.
Brazil emerged as the most adversely affected country from these tariffs, facing a 50% rate even though the U.S. reported a trade surplus with Brazil of $7.4 billion in 2024. This decision appears motivated more by political backlash against ongoing legal troubles for former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, which Trump claims is a political witch hunt.
Following Brazil are Cambodia with 49%, Madagascar at 47%, Vietnam at 46%, and Sri Lanka at 44%. These countries have been categorized by the U.S. as lacking sufficient flexibility in trade negotiations and benefiting excessively from their trade balances without offering reciprocal concessions.
The tariffs also included Myanmar and Laos, each facing a 40% rate. This was justified by their limited engagement in trade discussions with the U.S. and the absence of genuine bilateral economic agreements. Notably, these tariffs primarily target sectors like textiles, ready-made garments, agricultural products, and raw materials, which are essential exports to the U.S. market.
Switzerland was subjected to a 39% customs duty. Initially, the U.S. administration proposed a 31% tariff, but the inability to finalize an agreement with Swiss authorities prompted an increase to 39% after trade deficits grew to $38.5 billion in favor of Switzerland in 2024.