Catenaa, Monday, September 08, 2025- US President Donald Trump signed an executive order granting tariff exemptions to trading partners that reach agreements on industrial exports, effective today. (1201 EDT).
The move covers more than 45 categories of goods, including nickel, gold, pharmaceutical compounds, and chemicals, aligning US tariffs with commitments under existing deals with allies such as Japan and the European Union.
The order applies to goods that cannot be grown, mined, or produced sufficiently in the United States. Carveouts include certain agricultural products, aircraft and parts, and non-patented pharmaceuticals.
Once reciprocal trade agreements are in place, the US Trade Representative, Commerce Department, and Customs will have authority to waive tariffs without issuing a new executive order.
Trump emphasized that reductions will depend on the economic value and scope of partner commitments, as well as broader US national interests.
The exemptions remove duties on critical materials such as graphite and nickel, essential for stainless steel and electric vehicle battery production, along with gold in various forms. Switzerland, a major supplier, remains subject to a 39% tariff pending a trade deal.
The order eliminates prior exemptions for certain plastics and polysilicon, used in solar panels. Officials indicated the initiative continues Trump’s strategy of using tariffs as leverage for negotiating favorable trade deals, following his global trade policies implemented since taking office in January.
