US President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order modifying the scope of US reciprocal tariffs, exempting certain goods and tying any future tariff cuts to binding trade and security agreements with foreign partners.
The September 5 order updates Trump’s April framework, which imposed duties to counter persistent US trade deficits he labelled a national security threat.
The revised Annexe II spares selected imports, including agricultural products, aircraft parts and some pharmaceutical items, while also identifying categories that could see tariffs reduced to zero if partners align closely with US priorities.
Trump pointed to a recent US.–EU framework agreement as the model, pledging to cut tariffs on some European goods -including autos – once Brussels fulfils American conditions.
Favoured allies may benefit, but the order makes clear tariff relief will only come after “meaningful commitments” on economic reciprocity and security.
