Trump’s tariff framework comes into force across 92 countries
The White House’s new “reciprocal tariffs” targeting 92 countries have now officially come into effect, following the expiration of the seven-day negotiation window to seek exemptions or adjust supply routes.
Under the new structure first announced on 1 August, the United States has implemented a two-tier framework comprising a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with country-specific rates reaching as high as 41%.
Early reactions indicate the policy is already reshaping global trade flows. Nations including Syria, Switzerland, India and Brazil are among those now facing elevated tariffs, while allies such as the EU, Japan and South Korea have secured mitigated rates at 15% following bilateral agreements.
Certain high-value sectors, such as semiconductors, have also been affected, with specific products subject to tariffs of up to 100 per cent, though US manufacturers remain exempt, in line with efforts to incentivize domestic production. The policy is being applied at the invoice level, with customs enforcement now active across all major US ports of entry.
The tariff rollout follows the administration’s broader push to restructure global trade terms. While intended to support U.S. industry, the move is already prompting cost pressures, increased complexity, and operational uncertainty for procurement, compliance, and finance teams.
Mark McCarthy, chief revenue officer at Basware, commented:”Trade wars and tariff uncertainty introduce volatility into the global economy. For major enterprises, especially those with complex supply chains or international footprints, this creates hesitation around IT spending. CIOs and CFOs may want to delay large IT investments, reassess strategic priorities and scrutinize every dollar of spend. Organizations are working on contingencies, but in a turbulent environment, smart enterprises don’t stop investing, they get more focused on their spending and look for greater ROI on every purchase. This means looking to drive even more cost efficiency, investing in areas to mitigate.
Supply chains are not as nimble as we saw during the pandemic, so CIOs and CFOs will also be considering suppliers that have the skills to handle the complex tax and tariff landscape. Combining technology solutions with tax compliance and skills will be vital in the near future as these tariffs come into effect.”
The compliance landscape is also shifting. Trade-based financial crime, inaccurate invoicing, and jurisdictional inconsistency pose growing risks as tariff thresholds change, and import/export behavior adapts in response.
Michael Joseph, compliance expert at Napier AI, commented: “Fluctuating tariffs, while designed to serve economic and national security objectives, have created unintended consequences. As supply chains reorganize in response, new vulnerabilities for money laundering and other financial crimes have emerged. Our research shows that money laundering and terrorist financing cost the US economy over $600bn per year on average.”
“Tariff differentials between countries create strong incentives for trade diversion and misrepresentation. When goods face a 10% tariff from one country but potentially up to 145% from another, criminal organizations can exploit these differences through invoice manipulation, falsifying country of origin documentation, or routing shipments through third countries to conceal their true origin. These techniques are hallmarks of trade-based money laundering but can become more difficult to detect during periods of extreme volatility.”
As the new tariffs take hold, businesses will need to act quickly to minimise supply chain disruption, reassess cost baselines and supplier relationships, and strengthen risk controls to remain resilient in an increasingly protectionist global economy.