The Tariff War Timeline

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Tariffs on Mexico and Canada are paused for 30 days (delayed to take effect March 4). FEBRUARY 3, 2025

In a statement and fact sheet, the White House announces its plan for “reciprocal” tariffs promising to increase U.S. tariffs to match the tax rates that other countries charge on imports “to restore fairness.”

Trump issues executive orders imposing tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China: 10 percent on Chinese imports and 25 percent on Mexican and Canadian imports starting on February 4.

The White House issues 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum to take effect on March 12.

The White House issues a fact sheet and lowers the March 4 tariffs on Mexico and Canada exempting imports that satisfy terms of the USMCA, although Trump still claims plans for “reciprocal” tariffs on April 2.

Through Truth Social, Trump threatens a 200 percent tariff on European wine, champagne, and spirits if the E.U. goes forward with plans for a 50 percent tariff on American whiskey.

MARCH 24, 2025 Through Truth Social, Trump says he will place a 25% tariff on all imports from any country that buys oil or gas from Venezuela in addition to imposing new tariffs on the South American country itself on April 2.

The White House issues a proclamation imposing 25% tariffs on auto imports with exemptions for USMCA compliant imports to take effect April 3.

MARCH 4, 2025 The White House amends the February 1 order to raise tariffs on China from 10% to 20%.

APRIL 7, 2025 NBC reports on public panic after tariff uncertainty leads to sudden and heavy losses in American retirements accounts: S&P 500 down 6%, NASDAQ down 5.8%, and the Dow Jones down about 5.5%.

U.S. imposes additional 50% tariffs on China for retaliating (matching U.S. tariff levels) APRIL 8, 2025

The U.S. imposes country specific tariffs on nearly all countries that have a trade surplus with the U.S.

Trump announces on Truth Social that tariffs will be raised on China from 84% to 125% after China raises its tariffs to match the U.S.

In the same post, Trump authorizes a 90 day pause on differential tariffs with a lowered 10% reciprocal tariff. The pause is set to end on July 9.

APRIL 11, 2025 Alongside China raising its tariffs to match the U.S., The White House exempts smartphones and other consumer electronics containing semiconductors from some tariffs levied on April 2.

The White House classifies imports of semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment as a national security threat.

Trump issues an executive order to cut regulations and investigate unfair trade practices relating to American seafood. Also, Trump calls for USTR Section 301 Action against China for unfair practices in maritime logistics and shipbuilding.

APRIL 29, 2025 The White House issues a proclamation and an executive order to specifying policy to avoid the cumulative effects of “stacking” tariffs.

The White House announces general terms for the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity deal (EDP) including potentially lowered tariffs on U.S. beef and U.S. quotas for UK automotive imports with a tariff of 10%.

U.S. lowers tariff levels on China in accordance with the April 2 order (and modifications on April 8, 9, and 11) from 125% to 10%, with some exceptions, for 90 days while negotiating.

The Secretary of Commerce files a Federal Register notice requesting comments on whether imports of commercial aircraft and jet engines threaten national security.

MAY 28, 2025 The court of international trade finds that trump’s tariffs under IEEPA were beyond IEEPA’s granted authority. The decision was appealed, and The U.S. Federal Appeals Court temporarily stayed the order, leaving current tariffs in effect

JUNE 3, 2025 Citing National Security, tariffs on steel, aluminum and their derivates are raised from 25% to 50% to take effect on June 4

Trump announces deal with China on Truth Social, but no legal details were provided. JUNE 11, 2025

From the February 10 proclamation setting tariffs on steel, the Secretary of Commerce adds “steel derivative products.”

Implementing the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity deal (EDP), U.S. lowers automobile tariffs on UK from 25% to 10%, exempts UK products from the April 2 tariffs, and removes steel and aluminum tariffs (March 8).

Trump announces a trade deal, including tariffs, with Vietnam on Truth Social. JULY 2, 2025

The White House issues an extension of the April 2 tariffs (extended on April 9) until August 1 and sets new tariff rates for certain countries.

Via Truth Social, Trump posts a letter raising tariffs on Canada to 35% effective August 1.

Trump posts a letter raising tariffs on Brazil to 50% citing their criminal proceedings against former President Jair Bolsonaro.

In another post, Trump issues 30% tariffs on Sri Lanka