Trump says tariff exceptions possible but “10% is the floor”

President Donald Trump has revealed that some countries could be exempted from his newly introduced reciprocity tariffs, though he insists 10% represents the minimum rate.

“Yeah, obviously, it could be a couple of exceptions, you know, but I would say 10% is the floor,” Trump told reporters while travelling on Air Force One.

The President announced sweeping tariffs on products from 185 countries and territories on April 2. The measures took effect in two phases – baseline 10% tariffs on April 5, followed by country-specific rates on April 9. Russia was notably absent from the tariff list.

Trump has temporarily suspended additional reciprocal tariffs for certain nations for 90 days – a pause the White House attributes to ongoing trade negotiations. During this period, all affected countries face the standard 10% tariff.

The President indicated he remains open to discussing duty rates with trading partners and hasn’t ruled out extending the three-month suspension.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​