Trump Targets Iran Ties with Immediate 25% Tariff
- Girish Appadu
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
U.S. President Donald Trump announced an immediate 25% tariff on goods from countries doing business with Iran. The move, revealed via social media and lacking detailed clarification, reintroduces trade policy as a front-and-centre market risk at a time when investors were already navigating geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
For markets, the message is clear: trade is once again a policy weapon and the rules are shifting in real time.
What Was Announced and Why It Matters
President Trump confirmed that the tariff would apply to countries with commercial ties to Iran, without specifying what level or type of engagement qualifies as “doing business.” This ambiguity is significant.
Iran’s largest trading partner is China, followed by Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and India. They are all key participants in global supply chains. The lack of definition introduces policy risk, enforcement uncertainty and uneven competitive pressures for exporters attempting to access the U.S. market.
From an investment standpoint, uncertainty itself becomes a cost.
Trade Policy Is Reshaping Global Competitiveness
As U.S. trade policy evolves, exporters are no longer competing on equal terms.
Countries Gaining Relative Advantage
Several economies now appear better positioned:
Mexico and Canada, benefiting from geographic proximity and established trade frameworks.
The UK, Singapore, and Italy, which currently enjoy more favourable tariff exposure.
Historically, improved access to the U.S. market has been associated with stronger trade volumes, capital inflows and currency support, creating a constructive environment for investors.
Where Headwinds Are Building
On the other side of the ledger:
China continues to face elevated tariffs and persistent trade tensions.
India and Brazil show higher relative exposure compared to peers.
Switzerland and South Korea appear less favourably positioned, potentially weighing on export competitiveness.
These divergences are increasingly influencing capital flows, currency performance and equity market leadership.
The Supreme Court: A Critical Near-Term Variable
Adding another layer of complexity, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule shortly on the legality of President Trump’s sweeping tariffs, which were imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
During hearings late last year, both conservative and liberal justices expressed scepticism about the breadth of presidential authority under the 1977 emergency law. The ruling represents a key test of executive power and its outcome will shape how future trade policy is implemented.
Market Implications if the Tariffs Are Struck Down
Even if the court limits the use of IEEPA, the practical impact on markets may be contained:
Alternative Tariff Mechanisms Exist
The administration can still act through Section 232 (national security) or Section 301 (unfair trade practices), processes that are slower, but legally robust.
Refunds Remain Unclear
While estimates suggest up to $150 billion in potential tariff refunds, there is no clear mechanism. Any repayment process would likely be delayed and legally contested.
Macro Impact Is Manageable
Relative to a $30 trillion U.S. economy and $38 trillion federal debt, even full refunds would be modest. While some inflationary pressure is possible, additional liquidity could also support corporate earnings and economic activity.
What This Means for Investors
Trade policy volatility has become structural rather than temporary. For investors, this reinforces the importance of:
Focusing on relative winners and losers, not headlines
Maintaining geographic and currency diversification
Actively managing exposure to policy-sensitive sectors and regions
At Intrasia Wealth, we continue to monitor these developments closely, ensuring portfolios remain resilient, adaptive and positioned to navigate a world where geopolitics and markets are increasingly intertwined.
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