Trump aides weigh 20% tariffs as nervous world awaits trade war

Canada has vowed to respond with tariffs of its own, while the EU and other countries have threatened countermeasures as well

Trump has for weeks put a circle around April 2 as a "Liberation Day" to impose an array of new tariffs that could upend the global trade system. Picture: Larry Cummins

White House aides have drafted plans for 20% tariffs on most goods imported to the United States, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday, as President Donald Trump prepares to announce new trade barriers that have businesses, consumers and investors fretting about an intensifying global trade war.

Trump has for weeks put a circle around April 2 as a "Liberation Day" to impose an array of new tariffs that could upend the global trade system, but has provided few details.