Trump Says 10 Percent Baseline Tariff to Remain on All Countries, With Rare Exceptions

While the president suggested that exemptions from the 10 percent baseline are possible, he said only countries offering ‘exceptional’ terms may see relief.

A container ship is seen docked at the Port of Oakland, in Oakland, Calif., on April 18, 2025. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

President Donald Trump said on May 9 that the United States will retain a baseline 10 percent tariff on imports from nearly all trading partners—even after new trade agreements are signed—describing the policy as a permanent floor with only rare exceptions.

“You are going to always have a baseline,” Trump told reporters at the White House on May 9. “You have a baseline of a minimum of 10 percent, and some of them will be much higher.”