Augmont: Trump Tariffs Summary And Its Impact on Bullion Industry
As of March 25, 2025, the United States, under President Donald Trump, has implemented various tariffs on multiple countries, leading to reciprocal measures from affected nations. Below is a summary of these actions
U.S. Enacted Tariffs:
- Steel and Aluminum Products: A 25% tariff was announced on February 10, 2025, and became effective on March 12, 2025.
- Canadian Goods: A 25% tariff was announced on February 1, 2025, and took effect on March 4, 2025. However, on March 6, tariffs on USMCA-compliant goods were delayed until April 2. Additionally, the tariff on potash was reduced to 10%.
- Canadian Oil and Gas: A 10% tariff was announced on February 1, 2025, with implementation delayed until April 2.
- Chinese Goods: An initial 10% tariff was announced on February 1, 2025, effective February 4, 2025. This rate increased to 20% on March 4, 2025.
- Mexican Goods: A 25% tax was announced on February 1, 2025, and took effect on March 4, 2025. Tariffs on USMCA-compliant items were pushed back to April 2
Proposed U.S. Tariffs:
- Reciprocal Tariffs: Announced on February 13, 2025, with implementation expected to begin on April 2.
- European Union Goods: On February 2, 2025, President Trump stated that taxes on European Union goods will be implemented “pretty soon.” On March 13, he threatened a 200 percent levy on EU alcohol.
- Digital Service Taxes (DSTs): On February 21, 2025, President Trump directed the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate a Section 302 investigation into DSTs, particularly targeting France, Austria, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and the UK.
- Copper Imports: On February 25, 2025, the Commerce Secretary was directed to initiate a Section 232 investigation into copper imports.
- Timber and Lumber Imports: On March 1, 2025, the Commerce Secretary was directed to initiate a Section 232 investigation into timber and lumber imports.
Foreign Retaliatory Measures:
- Canada: Implemented a 25% tariff on certain U.S. goods effective March 4, 2025. On March 13, 2025, Canada expanded tariffs to include 25% on steel products, aluminium products, and miscellaneous goods.
- China: Imposed a 15% tariff on coal and liquefied natural gas, and a 10% tariff on oil and agricultural machinery, effective February 4, 2025. On March 10, 2025, China expanded tariffs to 10-15% on U.S. meat and agricultural products, suspended U.S. lumber imports, and revoked soybean import licenses for three U.S. firms.
- European Union: Announced planned tariffs on €4.5 billion of U.S. consumer goods, delayed from April 1, and €18 billion of U.S. steel and agricultural products, expected to take effect in mid-April.
Impact of US Tariffs on Bullion Industry
These measures have escalated global trade tensions, leading to increased economic uncertainty and potential impacts on the bullion Industry. The Trump administration’s tariffs have significantly impacted the global bullion industry, particularly in terms of supply chains, pricing, and investor sentiment. Here are some key effects:
- Increased Gold and Silver Import Costs – If Trump imposes tariffs on gold imports, especially from the UK (via Bank of England reserves), premiums in India and other markets may rise due to supply disruptions. Any tariffs on silver imports could push up costs for industrial users and jewellery manufacturers.
- Market Uncertainty and Safe-Haven Demand – Trade war fears and economic uncertainty have historically driven safe-haven demand for gold. Investors have increased their bullion holdings as a hedge against currency fluctuations and geopolitical risks.
- Impact on Refining and Trade – Tariffs on dore imports could make refining costlier in major processing hubs like India and Switzerland. If China imposes retaliatory tariffs, it could disrupt gold flow and shift refining operations elsewhere.
- Effect on Bullion Prices and Premiums – Tariffs have distorted pricing, leading to higher premiums in key consuming markets like India and China. Increased import costs have widened the gap between domestic and international gold prices.
- Influence on Central Bank Gold Reserves – If tariffs impact gold trade routes, central banks might adjust their reserve strategies, possibly leading to increased domestic purchases.
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