Washington D.C., July 2025
Since returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has made global trade a central battlefield—this time with sharper weapons and a faster trigger. His rapid-fire decisions on tariffs from February through July have sent shockwaves across financial markets, rattled allies, and drawn sharp criticism from economists and international leaders alike.
Here’s a look back at the key turning points in Trump’s escalating trade war:
February: The Opening Salvo
Just days after taking office, Trump imposed sweeping tariffs—25% on imports from Mexico and most Canadian goods, and 10% on Chinese products. The move was justified as a crackdown on fentanyl and illegal immigration, but it sparked immediate concerns among trading partners.
Days later, on February 3, he offered a 30-day reprieve to Mexico and Canada in exchange for tougher border enforcement, a deal China didn’t receive.
By mid-February, Trump raised tariffs on steel and aluminum to 25% across the board and delayed enforcement on small Chinese parcels until customs systems could handle them.
March: Intensifying Pressure
Trump doubled down on his approach. On March 3, he announced that tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods would begin the next day, while increasing fentanyl-related tariffs on China to 20%.
Automakers were granted a one-month delay on vehicle tariffs after industry leaders appealed directly to the President. Still, by late March, he introduced a 25% tariff on all imported cars and trucks.
April: Blanket Tariffs and Market Shock
In early April, Trump escalated matters by imposing a sweeping 10% tariff on virtually all imports, targeting key trading partners with even higher rates.
Global markets recoiled—trillions were wiped off stock exchanges. In response, the White House paused most country-specific tariffs for 90 days but kept the 10% blanket rate.
He also threatened to raise tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 145%, though exemptions were granted on electronics like smartphones and laptops.
National security investigations were launched into pharmaceutical and semiconductor imports, hinting at more tariffs to come.
May: Culture, Cars, and Ceasefires
The surprises didn’t stop. On May 4, Trump slapped a 100% tariff on all foreign films, citing the need to support American culture.
Just days later, a limited trade deal with Britain was announced—maintaining 10% tariffs but easing rules on car and agriculture exports.
By mid-May, a temporary truce with China brought tariff reductions on both sides: U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods dropped to 30% from 145%, while China eased duties on U.S. products to 10%.
Still, Trump floated a 50% tariff on EU goods and directly warned Apple that it would face tariffs if it continued overseas manufacturing.
Late May to June: Legal Battles and Bigger Hikes
As pushback grew, a U.S. trade court ruled Trump had overstepped presidential authority by imposing sweeping tariffs. But the administration quickly appealed, and a federal court temporarily reinstated the duties pending review.
By early June, Trump raised steel and aluminum tariffs to 50% and hinted that auto tariffs could soon rise further to pressure foreign automakers into increasing domestic investment.
July: The BRICS Warning and Global Threats
On July 3, Trump turned his sights on Vietnam, announcing a 20% tariff on many exports and a 40% penalty on trans-shipped goods.
Three days later, he took to Truth Social to declare that any country aligning with what he called “Anti-American policies” of the BRICS bloc would face an extra 10% tariff.
Finally, on July 7, Trump announced that many of the tariffs laid out over the past months would formally take effect on August 1. In letters to 14 nations, including Japan, South Korea, and Serbia, he confirmed new tariffs between 25% and 40% were on the way.
Conclusion
In just six months, President Trump has redrawn the global trade map. Allies are rattled, businesses are bracing for impact, and markets remain volatile. With August looming—and major tariffs about to be activated—the world is watching what Trump’s next move might be.
