United States President Donald Trump defended his administration’s new trade policy on Monday, emphasizing that upcoming U.S. tariffs will simply mirror those imposed by foreign countries. Speaking on the matter, Trump insisted the approach is both fair and reciprocal, rather than aggressive or punitive.

“They’re reciprocal, so whatever they charge us we charge them,” Trump explained, underscoring the logic behind matching tariff levels. He framed the policy as a step toward trade equity, not retaliation.

Trump criticized past trade dynamics, arguing that foreign nations have taken advantage of the U.S. economy for years through imbalanced and unfair practices. He noted that the U.S. has long accepted disadvantageous tariffs and other restrictions, which the current administration now aims to correct.

Despite the assertive tone of the policy, Trump reassured the public and international partners that the tariffs would remain “very kind” in comparison to those levied by other countries. His comments suggest that the goal is not to escalate tensions but to restore a level playing field in global commerce.

“These tariffs are not meant to be harsh—they are simply designed to reflect what’s already being imposed on us,” Trump reiterated. The president’s statements reflect his administration’s broader economic philosophy, which centers on fairness, reciprocity, and protecting American industry from perceived exploitation.

Trump’s remarks are expected to fuel further discussion among trading partners and domestic industries, particularly those reliant on export markets. As the global economy faces rising protectionist trends, the U.S. move signals a firm stance in seeking balanced trade relationships.

The administration has yet to announce the specific industries or goods affected, but the tone and framing suggest a calculated effort to realign international trade practices with U.S. economic interests without sparking unnecessary conflict.