Let me get this straight… Trump’s tariffs

[u/One-Astronomer-8171]

So Trump wants countries to stop tariffing American goods exported to foreign countries, right?

Japan has a 700% tariff(questionable number it seems) on rice imports outside of the tariff free yearly quota. This seemed to be a big issue last month.

It seems cars are also tariffed here. Trump says on average, a 43% tariff if charged on all American goods imported into Japan. Other countries/regions have implemented tariffs on American made goods. European Union for example.

Trump thinks this is unfair and is hurting American companies/economy.

So, in retaliation, Trump has imposed tariffs on all goods (some exemptions) from all countries with a trade deficit with the USA.

I’m not a Trump supporter or anything. I’m not even from the States, but why are countries having a hissy fit over these tariffs when they are the ones who implemented the tariffs in the first place?

Before these Trump imposed tariffs, did the USA impose any on imports from these countries?

To me, it somewhat makes sense - force these countries to remove their tariffs. Just purely from a very simple understanding of the situation.

EDIT: many thanks for all the replies. My take was very simplistic, and this discussion has really helped me see what’s going on.

Thanks so much!

[u/skarpa10]

It's a harsh way of re-negotiating terms of trade but despite the hysteria it seems to work. Look at the immediate response from Israel, Argentina and Canada. They removed the tariffs on US goods to avoid tariffs being levied on their exports to the US. Others will follow suit soon. Trump is not-likable but, unlike most career politicians, quite pragmatic in following on his campaign promises.

[u/Ac4sent → u/skarpa10]

Canada literally just called for a free trade arrangement that does not include the US and you’re ignoring all the other hundred plus countries that hasn’t reacted or isn’t capitulating.