New US Tariffs Impose Levies on 11 Arab Nations Amid Broad Protectionist Policies

The United States has begun implementing new tariffs of 12.5% on imports from various countries worldwide, including 11 Arab nations. This move is part of broader efforts to restructure the US protectionist tariff system, based on trade investigations related to labor standards and combating illegal practices in supply chains. The list of countries subjected to the higher tariffs includes Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, and others, while imports from certain other nations were subjected to a reduced rate of 10%. The US administration has exempted vital commodities such as food, fuel, and pharmaceuticals from these tariffs to avoid harming essential sectors.