GCC Imports Face 10% U.S. Tariff Under Trump’s New Trade Order

UAE, 7 April, 2025 : U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 10% tariff on imports from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The move is part of a broader tariff strategy targeting countries with which the U.S. has significant trade deficits.

The tariffs take effect on April 5, 2025, with higher, country-specific tariffs to follow on April 9. These rates will apply to countries with the largest trade deficits with the U.S., including India (26%), China (34%), the EU (20%), and others.

Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, Trump described the move as a "declaration of independence" and said it was necessary to protect U.S. economic and national security.

The White House issued a fact sheet declaring a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977, citing "non-reciprocal trade practices, currency manipulation, and high VATs" as key concerns.

Trump also announced a 25% tariff on all foreign-made automobiles, blaming past administrations for allowing trade imbalances to undermine U.S. industries.

The administration noted that tariffs may be adjusted depending on how trading partners respond—either through retaliation or efforts to rebalance trade relationships.