The Trump administration’s protectionist stance strives to diminish America’s global trade deficit, resolve national and economic security concerns, and bring US-based companies’ foreign operations back to the US to boost domestic manufacturing. This may create American jobs and attract investments while propelling US leadership in various sectors.
However, when stringent trade regulations could impact America’s technological leadership and economic interests, is it worth winning these tariff battles if it may mean losing the trade war?
I will immediately begin the overhaul of our trade system to protect American workers and families. Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens,” President Trump said during his inauguration speech. “The American dream will soon be back and thriving like never before."
What Are The Current Tariffs on Imports To The US?
Status | Target | Tariff Rate | Date Effective |
---|---|---|---|
Active | China | 145% on most imports, 20% on semiconductors and electronics | April 10 |
Active | Universal blanket tariff | 10% | April 9 |
Active | Foreign-made automobiles | 25% | April 3 |
Active | Steel and Aluminum | 25% blanket tariffs | March 12 |
Active With Exemptions | Canada | 25% on all imports, goods under USMCA agreement currently exempt | March 4 |
Active With Exemptions | Mexico | 25% on all imports, goods under USMCA agreement currently exempt | March 4 |
Delayed | Country-dependent reciprocal Tariffs | Up to 50%, delayed for 90 days from April 9 | July 8 |
Under Investigation | Agricultural Products | 25% | TBA |
Under Investigation | Semiconductors and electronics | 25% and higher | TBA |
Under Investigation | Pharmaceuticals | 25% and higher | TBA |
Under Investigation | Copper | Unknown | TBA |
Under Investigation | Timber, Lumber, Derivatives | Unknown | TBA |
How Have America’s Trade Partners Retaliated?
Country | Target | Tariff Rate | Date Effective |
---|---|---|---|
China | All US goods | 125% | April 11 |
Canada | US automobiles not compliant with USMCA | 25% | April 3 |
European Union | A range of US goods, from motorcycles and boats to soybeans | 10-25%, suspended for 90 days | TBA |
Mexico | N/A | N/A | N/A |
What is a tariff?
A tariff is essentially a tax levied by a government on imported goods. It’s like a fee added to the price of the good when it enters the country. Tariffs are typically paid for by the importer, meaning that affected businesses will need to consider raising the prices of their goods, changing and diversifying suppliers, re-routing their shipments, or even exploring new markets. Proactive mitigation and scenario planning are vital.
A Timeline of Trump’s 2025 Trade War
China's Quiet De-Escalation
China has reportedly created a list of US goods exempt from the 125% tariffs, and had previously exempted goods like microchips and pharmaceuticals.
At a rally for 100 days in office, Trump shared that a trade deal with China may be within reach.
China Under Pressure, India In Focus, and Canada Looks Elsewhere
Scott Bessent believes “it’s up to China to de-escalate, because they sell five times more to us than we sell to them, and so these 120%, 145% tariffs are unsustainable.” He also mentions India as a key trading partner and says he “would guess that India would be one of the first trade deals we would sign.”
Trump signs an executive order to prevent the “stacking” or cumulation of multiple tariffs on individual auto-related imports, simplifying tariff applications and preventing unnecessarily high duties.
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, whose Liberal Party has just won the recent election, shares his plan for Canada to diversify its economic partnerships to mitigate the impact of Trump’s tariffs and reduce Canada’s reliance on the US.

EU and UK Close Ranks
A leaked draft document for a “new strategic partnership” between the EU and UK declares a commitment to “free and open trade” in response to uncertain relations with America.
China Seeking Relief
Likely worried about economic fallout, China is reportedly calling for companies to submit suggestions for US goods that should be exempt from the 125% tariffs.
Trouble at Home as 12 States Push Back
Twelve Democratic US states are suing the Trump administration for “reckless” and “illegal” tariffs.
The lawsuit states, “By claiming the authority to impose immense and ever-changing tariffs on whatever goods entering the United States he chooses, for whatever reason he finds convenient to declare an emergency, the president has upended the constitutional order and brought chaos to the American economy.”
A White House spokesperson reinforced that the Trump administration “remains committed to addressing this national emergency that’s decimating America’s industries and leaving our workers behind with every tool at our disposal, from tariffs to negotiations.”
Deadlock for US-China Negotiations
US-China talks continue without the two seeing eye-to-eye.
While the US reportedly wants to see China crack down on chemical manufacturers and sellers contributing to the US fentanyl crisis, Chinese embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu has stated, “If [the US] truly wants to address the fentanyl problem, it needs to revoke the unjustified tariffs, engage in equal consultation with China, and seek mutually beneficial cooperation.”
Bessent tells reporters that the US and China need to mutually de-escalate tariffs before they can begin rebalancing their trade relationship in a way that shifts China towards consumption and the US towards manufacturing.

Crackdown on China-Vietnam-US Transshipments, US-China De-Escalation On The Horizon
Ahead of negotiations with the US, Vietnam’s trade ministry has reportedly issued a directive to prevent the transshipment of Chinese goods to the US. Stricter procedures are now required for goods to receive “Made in Vietnam” labels.
Scott Bessent, US Secretary of the Treasury, expects a de-escalation of US-China tensions as he believes the current situation is unsustainable. Trump states that tariffs on Chinese goods will “come down substantially” but warns that they “won’t be zero.”
Meanwhile, JD Vance calls for closer ties between the US and India, stating, “We want to work together more, and we want your nation to buy more of our military equipment.”
Caught in the Sino-US Crossfire
China’s Commerce Ministry has threatened to “take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner,” if countries strike deals with the US at China’s expense.
ASEAN countries are caught in the crossfire of two of their largest trading partners.
Striking Deals
JD Vance says there’s a “good chance” of a UK-US trade deal thanks to this trade relationship being more reciprocal than that with the EU.
Meanwhile, South Korea strives to delay reciprocal tariffs as it negotiates with the US.
Short-Lived Relief
Trump clarifies no country is “off the hook” from tariffs and that electronics and semiconductors are being examined under Section 232 Investigations to be placed in a different “tariff bucket.” Pharmaceuticals are also under investigation.
Howard Lutnick explains that “special focus-type tariffs” will be applied to these goods in the next two months.
China retaliates and suspends exports of vital goods like magnets and critical minerals, which will likely impact auto components, aerospace manufacturers, semiconductor makers, and military contractors.
Temporary Reprieve for Tech
Trump temporarily suspends some tariffs on electronics like smartphones, computers, and semiconductors. China is exempt from 125% tariffs on electronics, but it still faces rates of 20%.

Beijing Draws The Line, US Targets Mexico
China raises tariffs on US goods to 125%, effective April 12.
POLITICO reports that the finance ministry says, “Even if the US continues to impose higher tariffs, it will no longer make economic sense and will become a joke in the history of world economy,” continuing, “If the United States continues to play the tariff numbers game, China will ignore it.”
Meanwhile, Trump threatens Mexico on Truth Social with additional tariffs and sanctions if it fails to meet its obligations under a 1944 water treaty.
US Retribution Contiues
The White House clarifies that the 125% tariffs are in addition to the existing 20% tariffs on Chinese goods, meaning imports from China will face tariffs of 145%.
US Ceases Fire While Trade Relations With China Continue Decoupling
US country-specific reciprocal tariffs are paused for 90 days.
China responds to 104% tariffs with 84% tariffs on US goods, set to take effect on April 10. Trump announces 125% retaliatory tariffs.
Battle of Nerves
China emphasizes it will “fight to the end,” and its commerce ministry describes Trump’s latest threat as a mistake “exposing the American side’s blackmailing nature.”
US-China Tit-For-Tat
Trump says he has no plan to pause his sweeping tariffs. He threatens China on Truth Social with an additional 50% tariff if it implements retaliatory tariffs, which would result in 104% tariffs on Chinese imports.
Meanwhile, von der Leyen expresses the EU’s willingness to implement “zero-for-zero” tariffs for certain goods and readiness to enforce countermeasures if necessary.
Europe is ready to negotiate with the US.
We have offered zero-for-zero tariffs for industrial goods.
Because we’re always ready for a good deal.
But we’re also prepared to respond with countermeasures.
And protect ourselves against indirect effects through trade diversion. pic.twitter.com/hpZ77TXH4B
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 7, 2025
10% Tariffs Sweep Across The Globe
10% blanket tariffs take effect on most imports to the US.
China Retaliates
China announces 34% tariffs on all US goods with no exemptions, effective April 10. It also places new export controls on seven rare elements needed for all kinds of tech goods and announces investigations into US medical imaging equipment.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun explains the reciprocal tariff on China “gravely violates WTO rules, and undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system. China firmly rejects this and will do what is necessary to defend our legitimate rights and interests.”
Trump Calls For Phenomenal Offers
US tariffs on imported cars take effect.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney introduces 25% tariffs on American cars. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum plans to increase domestic production of various goods while reducing dependence on the US for natural gas.
President Trump states he is open to negotiating and reducing tariffs if trading partners present “phenomenal” offers, emphasizing that companies could be exempt from tariffs if they manufacture within the US.
Liberation Day
Trump invokes IEEPA national emergency powers to implement reciprocal tariffs on the world. 10% tariffs will be unleashed on most imports on April 5, while the countries with the largest trade deficits with the US will face individualized tariffs from April 9.
Currently, the only tech exempt from tariffs is semiconductors.
With high tariff rates for South Asian countries, the future of many alternative manufacturing hubs to China is uncertain. The tariffs include 46% for Vietnam, 49% for Cambodia, 36% for Thailand, 32% for Taiwan, and 26% for India.
Trump states, “[America’s] markets are gonna boom, the stock is gonna boom, the country is gonna boom.” Meanwhile, CNBC reports that stocks have already fallen for tech giants like Apple, Nvidia, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft.

Mario Goes To Vietnam: Trade Wars & Gaming Hardware
Nintendo reportedly begins diversifying its supply chain to mitigate tariffs on Chinese imports to America, moving part of its production from China to Cambodia and Vietnam – a perfect example of preemptive risk mitigation through supply chain diversification.
Russia In Trump’s Sights
Trump threatens secondary tariffs on countries that purchase Russian oil if Russia does not accept a ceasefire deal with Ukraine. Key buyers of Russian oil include China and India.
WTO In The Trade War Crossfire
America is reportedly suspending its contributions to the WTO in line with the Trump administration’s America First Trade Policy.
Meanwhile, the likelihood of the EU utilizing its Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI) to retaliate with tariffs or other trade restrictions is growing.
Threats In The Night
President Trump threatens the EU and Canada in a social media post in the middle of the night, discouraging them from closing ranks to retaliate against the US.

Trump Hits The Gas On Auto Tariffs
Trump confirms 25% tariffs on imported cars and auto parts, scheduled to be implemented on April 3. According to the New York Times, almost 50% of cars purchased in America are imported, mainly from Mexico, Japan, Canada, South Korea, Germany, and the UK.
European automakers reportedly lose $14 billion in value.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney believes “The old relationship we had with the United States based on deepening integration of our economies and tight security and military cooperation is over.” Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba questions the decision, stating “[Japan] makes the largest amount of investment to the US, so we wonder if it makes sense for [Washington] to apply uniform tariffs to all countries.”
War Waged on Venezuela and Trade Partners
EU Suspension of Hostilities
The EU announces that its retaliatory tariffs will be delayed until mid-April .
No Water (Or Whiskey) Under The Bridge
In response to the EU’s 50% tariff threat on American bourbon, Trump threatens a 200% tariff on European alcoholic products in a post on Truth Social.

Canada Stands Its Ground & EU Arms Itself Ahead Of April 2 Tariffs
Universal 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports into the US take effect.
Canada announces plans to retaliate from March 13 with 25% tariffs on $20.7 billion of US imports, which will expand to $155 million of goods if the US maintains its tariffs. This covers goods like orange juice and peanut butter, as well as steel and aluminum, tools, computers, sporting goods, and cast iron.
The European Union announces retaliatory tariffs on $28 billion of US goods scheduled for April 1. Once again, it plans to impose tariffs on Harley-Davidson motorbikes, Levi jeans, and Jack Daniels bourbon – among other consumer and tech goods.
Canada announces 25% tariffs on $30 million of US imports. This covers goods like orange juice, peanut butter, appliances, apparel, motorcycles, and paper products.
US-Canada War Of Words
Canada Strikes Back
China’s additional retaliatory tariffs on key American farm products take effect.
President Trump threatens to increase tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50%.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford responds with a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to Michigan, Minnesota, and New York.
Canada On The Front Lines
USMCA Concessions
Imports from Canada and Mexico that meet the rules of origin requirements under the USMCA are exempt from the March 4 tariffs until April 2. The tariff on non-USMCA potash lowers to 10%.
China Ready To Fight Til The End
US automakers receive a one-month exemption from new tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports.
China’s embassy posts on X “If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end,” quoting a recent government statement.
If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end. https://t.co/crPhO02fFE
— Chinese Embassy in US (@ChineseEmbinUS) March 5, 2025
America Plays Hardball
25% tariffs on most goods from Canada (10% on energy) and 25% on Mexican imports take effect. The US expands the number of American companies subject to export controls.
Canada announces incoming retaliatory tariffs on over $100 billion of American goods over 21 days, and places an immediate 25% tariff on over $20 billion worth of US products.
China announces additional retaliatory tariffs of 10% and 15% on various US food items, effective March 10. It also adds 10 US companies to its Unreliable Entities List, and imposes export controls on 15 US companies.
Mexico threatens to impose unspecified tariffs on US goods if America doesn’t back down.
US Tariffs Continue Full Steam Ahead
25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada come into effect, and tariffs on Chinese goods rise by an additional 10% – now sitting at 20% on all imports.
President Trump posts on Truth Social that tariffs on imported agricultural products will commence on April 2, 2025.

Lumber Not Out of The Woods
Trump signs an executive order instructing the Commerce Department to consider tariffs on lumber and timber.
China Still Under Fire
Trump announces that tariffs on goods from China will increase by 10% on March 4, 2025.
EU In The Trenches
Trump claims the EU was “formed to screw the United States,” and announces plans to implement 25% tariffs on unspecified EU imports.
Smelting Down Copper Imports
The White House announces measures to address the threat to national security from copper imports with a Section 232 investigation. Tariffs on copper will likely impact semiconductor manufacturing in the US, as key components of GPUs often require copper.
Anti-Discrimination Investigation Into DST
Trump directs the USTR to initiate a Section 301 investigation into Digital Service Taxes (DSTs) levied by several countries.

Semiconductor Trade On The Fritz
The administration announces that the tariff rates on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals would be around 25% but will “go substantially higher over a course of a year.”
Hitting The Brakes On Foreign and Cross-Border Auto Manufacturers
The US threatens to impose tariffs on all auto imports beginning April 2, with a possible 25% rate.
USA Fighting Fire With Fire
The White House unveils a “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” on Trade, stating the US will increase its tariffs to match the rates other countries charge on American imports.
Recommendations are due by April 1, and implementation is possible from April 2.
Warning Lights For Automakers
Plans to impose 25% tariffs on auto imports on April 2 signal a potential disruption to the global automotive industry.

World War Tariffs
President Trump announces plans to introduce universal tariffs on steel and aluminum from March 12, which would eliminate exemptions from the 2018 tariffs and raise the tariff on aluminum to 25%.
China’s 15% tariffs on coal and liquefied natural gas products and a 10% levy on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large-engine cars imported from the US take effect.
BIS Tightens Control
Reports indicate that the BIS and other agencies had implemented additional levels of review for license applications for tech goods under export controls, leading to delays in the licensing process.
Temporary Relief For Canada and Mexico While China Strikes Back
10% tariffs are applied on all Chinese imports, largely affecting tech goods like cell phones, computers, and electric and industrial equipment.
China immediately retaliates with duties on American goods and initiates an anti-monopoly investigation into Google. It also introduces export controls on 25 rare earth minerals and metals, including those critical for producing some electronic goods, and adds 12 US companies to its Unreliable Entity List and 15 to its Control List.
China also announces incoming retaliatory 10% tariffs on American agricultural machinery, crude oil, and large-engine cars.
America Lays Down Arms Towards Its Neighbors… Briefly
25% tariffs on US neighbors Canada and Mexico delayed for 30 days as they work to counteract illegal immigration and drug trafficking, giving businesses time to plan mitigation strategies.
Trade Dispute Extends To EU
Mr Trump indicates his plan to impose tariffs on the European Union “pretty soon.”
Tariffs Take Up Arms
President Trump invokes IEEPA national emergency powers related to undocumented immigration and drug trafficking to sign an executive order to impose the following tariffs on February 4:
- 25% on imports from Mexico
- 25% on imports from Canada, with a 10% tariff on oil and gas, and
- 10% on all imports from China.

Medicaments and Tech In Trouble
Trump announces his intention for new tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, significantly threatening critical components in the technology sector.
Smaller Trading Partners At Risk
President Trump threatens 25% tariffs on all Colombian imports if it refuses to accept flights carrying deported US immigrants. Brief retaliatory tariff threats transform into acceptance of the flights, and both sides abandon their threats.
Inauguration Day
Following his inauguration, President Trump announces his plan to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico on February 1. Specific plans for tariffs on Chinese imports are not immediately detailed.
Trump issues a presidential memorandum outlining the “America First Trade Policy,” directing federal agencies to evaluate key aspects of US trade policy by April 30, 2025. The review aims to identify loopholes in tech export controls and provide recommendations to maintain America’s technological leadership, with a report due by April 1, 2025.
What Tariffs Did Trump Propose In His Election Campaign?
Trump’s election campaign involved threats of 60% tariffs on all Chinese goods, 25% on all Mexican and Canadian goods, and 10-20% on all other imports from other countries. The BRICS alliance and any other countries pushing for de-dollarization were threatened with 100% tariffs.