Trump’s Tariffs Launched Global Trade Wars: A Timeline of Escalation and Retaliation
The return of Donald Trump to the White House has reignited economic tensions globally, as his aggressive tariff strategies have once again plunged the United States into trade disputes with key allies and adversaries. Unlike his first term, Trump’s current wave of protectionist policies is broader in scope and has produced greater global consequences.
The Early Moves
On January 20, Trump was sworn in and used his inaugural address to renew calls for taxing foreign goods. On his first day, he proposed a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico starting February 1, although he delayed detailed announcements on China.
By January 26, Trump expanded his threats to Colombia, proposing 25% tariffs in response to a diplomatic dispute over migrant flights. Colombia initially retaliated but later reversed its decision, marking the first of many short-lived confrontations.
Imposing Initial Tariffs
February 1 marked a significant escalation. Trump signed an executive order to impose tariffs on China (10%), and on Mexico and Canada (25%), citing national emergency powers linked to immigration and drug trafficking.
Within days, countries began responding. On February 4, China imposed retaliatory tariffs and launched an anti-monopoly probe into Google. The tariffs included levies on U.S. coal, LNG, crude oil, and agricultural machinery, effective February 10.
Ratcheting Up Pressure
By mid-February, Trump was tightening the screws further. He announced on February 10 a plan to raise steel and aluminum tariffs from their 2018 levels, removing exemptions and increasing rates to 25% across the board.
On February 13, he proposed “reciprocal tariffs” to match other countries’ import duties, further fueling global uncertainty.
March Brings Widespread Retaliation
On March 4, tariffs on Canada and Mexico came into effect, with exceptions for Canadian energy. He doubled Chinese import tariffs to 20%. Canada and Mexico vowed retaliation. China responded with new tariffs on U.S. farm products and expanded export restrictions.
Trump eased tensions briefly on March 5 and 6 by granting automaker exemptions and delaying some tariffs. However, by March 10, China’s farm product tariffs took effect.
The EU announced plans to retaliate with \$28 billion in tariffs on U.S. goods, though implementation was delayed to mid-April.
Escalation in April
April saw the most significant escalation. On April 2, Trump introduced a sweeping 10% baseline tariff on nearly all imports and much steeper rates on goods from China (34%), the EU (20%), Japan (24%), South Korea (25%), and Taiwan (32%).
On April 3, his 25% auto import tariffs began, prompting Canadian countermeasures.
By April 5, Trump’s 10% global tariff was in effect. On April 9, higher “reciprocal” tariffs were imposed, but then largely suspended for 90 days, except for Chinese goods, which faced effective tariffs totaling 145% after adjustments.
Attempts at De-escalation
As tensions peaked, temporary relief emerged. On April 10, the EU postponed retaliatory tariffs for 90 days. On April 11, China upped its tariffs to 125% but exempted some sectors temporarily.
Later in April, Trump signed orders to ease auto tariffs for vehicles assembled in the U.S. and exempted electronics like smartphones from new tariffs — though Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted at upcoming sector-specific tariffs.
New Threats and Trade Deals in May
In early May, Trump resumed threats. On May 4, he floated a 100% tariff on foreign-made films. On May 8, the U.S. and UK struck a trade deal reducing tariffs on cars and eliminating some steel and aluminum duties.
On May 12, the U.S. cutting duties on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, and China reducing its tariffs from 125% to 10%. A 90-day truce was declared.
However, by May 23, Trump targeted Apple, threatening 25% tariffs on iPhones not made in the U.S. He also announced a potential 50% tariff on all EU imports starting June 1.
Agreed on May 25 to delay the EU tariffs until July 9 to allow more time for negotiations.
Conclusion
Trump’s renewed tariff agenda has jolted the global economy, triggering retaliatory moves from allies and adversaries alike. The cycle of threats, implementation, and negotiation has produced widespread uncertainty, with businesses and consumers bearing much of the cost. As trade tensions evolve, the world watches closely to see if diplomacy can prevail over economic nationalism once again.