White House invokes IEEPA against 185 nations in "Liberation Day" tariffs

On Apr. 2, 2025, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 and issued reciprocal tariffs on 185 countries, with rates ranging from 10% to 50%. (White House Fact Sheet; Americas Quarterly)

Countries with balanced trade—such as Argentina and Brazil—were assigned the baseline 10% tariff rate under the Apr. 2, 2025 proclamation. (Foreign Policy)

Brazilian orange juice exporters face an additional $100 million in annual tariff costs under the new measures, adding to last year’s $86 million for a total of $186 million per year. (The AgriBiz)

On May 28, 2025, the United States Court of International Trade unanimously ruled that the emergency-powers justification exceeded IEEPA’s authority, finding that it “does not authorize any of the worldwide, retaliatory, or trafficking tariff orders.” (United States Court of International Trade decision via Wikipedia)

In response to U.S. measures, Beijing imposed a 125% tariff on American goods last month after Trump’s administration had applied a 145% tariff on Chinese imports—effectively cutting off U.S. farmers from China’s market. (🌲Washington Post)