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Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, speaks at the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on April 1./ Source: AFP, Yonhap

Global trade tensions are rising as U.S. President Donald Trump is set to unveil a major tariff plan later on April 2 at 4 p.m. The expected announcement is part of an effort to address what the administration sees as unfair trade practices and significant deficits.

According to reports from the New York Times and Washington Post, the Trump administration is weighing two key options: a uniform 20% tariff on nearly all imported goods, and a variable tariff system that would adjust rates based on the trade barriers each country imposes on American products.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the administration is debating whether to impose broad tariffs across most trading partners or adopt a more targeted approach. One possibility under discussion involves higher tariffs for countries with significant non-tariff barriers and large trade surpluses with the U.S.—a group reportedly referred to within the administration as the “Dirty 15.” Other countries may face a lower, standardized rate.

Advisors to the president have projected that a 20% tariff could generate more than $6 trillion in revenue. During a recent exchange with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump emphasized the importance of reciprocity in trade policy and reiterated the need to match foreign tariffs imposed on U.S. exports.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the upcoming policy announcement is intended to enhance U.S. competitiveness, reduce the trade deficit, and protect national economic and security interests. The speech is expected to take place at a White House Rose Garden event themed “Making America Wealthier.”

EU and China Signal Strong Opposition

In response to the anticipated announcement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the EU is prepared to take strong countermeasures if necessary. Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, she stated that the EU did not initiate the current tensions but would act decisively to defend its interests if provoked. Von der Leyen also highlighted the EU’s position as the world’s largest economic bloc and said that Europe has significant leverage in areas such as trade, technology, and market access.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during an official visit to Moscow, told Russian state media that China would firmly respond to any continued pressure or threats from the United States. According to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he emphasized that China has never accepted coercive diplomacy and would not tolerate unilateral moves targeting its economic sovereignty.

As the world watches Washington’s next move, concerns over a full-scale global trade war continue to mount.