Tariffs and Trade Wars
Timelines and key tariff updates under the Trump Administration
January 20, 2025
• Upon inauguration, President Trump announced plans to impose IEEPA-based tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, citing the fentanyl crisis and related border issues.
February 1, 2025
Executive Orders issued invoking IEEPA to impose:
• 25% additional tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico (with a lower 10 % rate for Canadian energy).
• 10% additional tariff on imports from China. (The White House)
February 2–3, 2025
• The start of these tariffs was delayed in coordination with Canada and Mexico, leading to a 30-day pause in new duties while negotiations continued.
March 4, 2025
The IEEPA fentanyl tariffs officially took effect on this date:
• 25% on most imports from Canada and Mexico (10% on Canadian energy).
• 10% additional tariff on Chinese imports (on top of the original 10% announced in February).
March 7, 2025
• The administration exempted USMCA-compliant goods from the Canada and Mexico tariffs (i.e., goods qualifying for preferential treatment under the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement are not subject to the 25% IEEPA tariff).
August 1, 2025
• The Canada tariff rate was increased from 25% to 35%, and additional anti-transshipment provisions were put in place (e.g., a 40 % transshipment tariff to deter rerouting of goods to avoid duties). (The White House)
November 10, 2025
• The China fentanyl tariff rate was adjusted downward from its previously elevated level to about 10%, following negotiations between the U.S. and China.
February 20, 2026
• The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision that the Trump Administration does not have authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs.
February 24, 2026
• Effective February 24, 2026, the additional tariffs imposed under the IEEPA will no longer be collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
• Important reminder: this change only impacts IEEPA tariffs; it does not affect other trade remedies, including: Section 232 and Section 301 duties. (CSMS # 67834313)
• Following the court ruling, The White House announced a new temporary 10% import duty on most goods entering the U.S. effective February 24, 2026, under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. (CSMS # 67844987)
April 2, 2025
• President Trump signed an Executive Order under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) declaring a national emergency related to persistent U.S. trade deficits and lack of trade reciprocity, and imposed “reciprocal tariffs” on imports from many U.S. trading partners to address these issues. (Federal Register)
April 5, 2025
• Reciprocal tariffs were scheduled to begin. A baseline reciprocal tariff was set at around 10% for most countries, with higher, country-specific reciprocal tariff rates ranging from about 11% to 50% for nearly 60 trading partners.
April 9, 2025
• The administration announced a 90-day pause on implementation of reciprocal tariff rates above 10% for most countries (other than exceptions) to allow time for negotiations with trading partners.
May 12, 2025
• A new round of adjustments was announced to the reciprocal tariffs in ongoing discussions with China:
– A temporary 10% reciprocal tariff on goods from China was established for a 90-day period (in addition to any other applicable tariffs).
July 7, 2025
• An executive order was signed that extended the deadline for implementation of reciprocal tariffs to August 1, 2025, delaying their effective start date to give more time for negotiation and coordination.
September 5, 2025
• The White House issued a new executive order modifying the scope of the reciprocal tariffs and establishing procedures for implementing reciprocal trade and security agreements with partners.
– The modified scope updated the list of products subject to reciprocal tariffs, both adding some goods and exempting others moving forward. (The White House)
November 4–14, 2025
• Further adjustments were announced to reciprocal tariff scopes and rates as part of broader economic and trade arrangements with major partners (including China and others), including:
– Modifications reflecting agreements with certain partners to adjust how reciprocal tariffs are applied to specific products. (United States Trade Representative)
February 7, 2026
• Products of India no longer subject to the extra 25% duty under EO 14329; HTSUS 9903.01.84–9903.01.89 discontinued. Reciprocal tariffs under EO 14257 remain in effect where not exempt. (CBP CSMS #67702087)
• Filers must correct post–Feb 7 entries; PSC may be used for unliquidated entries, and protests within 180 days for liquidated entries.
February 20, 2026
• The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision that the Trump Administration does not have authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs.
February 24, 2026
• Effective February 24, 2026, the additional tariffs imposed under the IEEPA will no longer be collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
• Important reminder: this change only impacts IEEPA tariffs; it does not affect other trade remedies, including: Section 232 and Section 301 duties. (CSMS # 67834313)
• Following the court ruling, The White House announced a new temporary 10% import duty on most goods entering the U.S. effective February 24, 2026, under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. (CSMS # 67844987)
January 1, 2025
• Existing Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports continued in force, covering multiple “Lists” of products with varying duties ranging from about 7.5% up to ~100% depending on the category, as part of the longstanding USTR China trade action.
January 1, 2025
• Some modified tariff rate increases under Section 301 that were finalized in late 2024 went into effect this day, including higher rates on specific products such as:
– 50% tariffs on solar wafers and polysilicon.
– 25% tariffs on certain tungsten products.
– Rate increases on semiconductors, medical gloves, and other items as specified in USTR modifications.
June 6, 2025
• The U.S. Trade Representative opened a public comment process to consider modifications under an ongoing Section 301 investigation into China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, signaling potential future tariff or fee adjustments tied to those industries.
August 28, 2025
• USTR extended existing product-specific exclusions (352 product-specific and 77 COVID-related) under the China Section 301 action through at least November 29, 2025, delaying some tariff impacts for covered goods.
Late October 2025
• Following negotiations and tariff truce frameworks with China, some previously threatened tariff hikes on Chinese products (including electronics) were effectively suspended or delayed, impacting when certain Section 301 duties would apply in practice (this carried forward into late 2025).
Late October/November 2025
• Due to these ongoing negotiations and tariff truce arrangements with China, the U.S. delayed implementation of some Section 301 tariff increases on Chinese electronics (such as computers and related components) until November 10, 2026, rather than late 2025.
December 23, 2025
• The administration announced new, targeted tariffs on Chinese semiconductors under Section 301 authority, but delayed their enforcement until June 2027 — extending the timeline for tariff imposition on those goods.
February 10, 2025
• President Trump issued Presidential Proclamations reinstituting and expanding Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from all countries.
– Reinstated a 25% tariff on steel imports and elevated aluminum tariffs to 25% for nearly all trading partners.
– Removed prior negotiated exemptions and quota regimes and expanded coverage including many derivative products.
March 12, 2025
• The expanded 25% Section 232 duties on steel, aluminum, and certain derivatives took effect, applying broadly to imports of these products.
March 26, 2025
• The administration announced new Section 232 tariffs on U.S. imports of automobiles and certain automobile parts at 25%, to address national security concerns regarding reliance on foreign vehicles and parts.
April 3 & May 3, 2025
• 25% Section 232 tariffs on automobiles went into effect for passenger vehicles on April 3 and for auto parts on May 3, covering imports that do not meet U.S. content thresholds under applicable rules.
June 3–4, 2025
• A further escalation of Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum was implemented, including applying 50% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and products containing these metals from most trading partners.
August 18, 2025
• The U.S. government added 407 new Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) codes to the list of products considered steel and aluminum derivatives subject to Section 232 duties, broadening tariff coverage. (Federal Register)
January 1, 2026
• The administration delayed planned increases in Section 232 tariffs on certain imported wood-based goods — specifically upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities — postponing increases from 25% to higher planned rates for one year (keeping them at 25%). (The White House)
January 14, 2026
• The administration announced guidance on Section 232 tariffs on Semiconductors and their Derivative Products, imposing a 25% ad valorem duty. (CSMS # 67400472)
April 6, 2026
• The U.S. government has imposed additional duties ranging from 10% to 50% on imports of steel, aluminum, and copper products from all countries based on the implementation of the April 2, 2026 White House Proclamation “Strengthening Actions Taken to Adjust Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper into the United States“. (CSMS # 68253075)
This information is subject to frequent change; please review regularly for the most current updates. The content is provided for informational purposes only and is intended to help you stay informed of major trade developments. For legal or binding guidance, please contact our compliance team at importcompliance@tbgfs.com.
Get industry updates and breaking news alerts straight to your inbox!