TIMELINE: Major developments in Trump's trade war

Since taking office in January 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has implemented a series of sweeping tariff measures that have rattled global markets and fueled uncertainty across the international economy. The decisions have targeted major trading partners and affected a wide range of industries, from automobiles and steel to electronics and consumer goods.

Below is a timeline of the major tariff actions that have shaped global trade since Trump returned to the White House.

February 1, 2025

Trump orders 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, and 10% tariffs on goods from China, demanding the three countries curb the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants into the United States.

February 10, 2025

Tariffs on steel and aluminum imports are raised to a flat 25%, affecting key global suppliers.

March 3, 2025

Trump announces that 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada will take effect on March 4. He also doubles tariffs on all Chinese imports to 20%.

March 26, 2025

The President unveils a 25% tariff on imported cars and light trucks, a move that could hit major auto exporters.

April 2, 2025

Trump introduces global tariffs, setting a baseline of 10% across all imports, with significantly higher duties imposed on selected countries.

April 9, 2025

Most country-specific tariffs that were scheduled to begin are paused less than 24 hours before implementation, but the 10% blanket duty on almost all U.S. imports remains in effect.

Trump also announces plans to raise tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%, increasing the total duty to 145% on certain Chinese goods.

May 9, 2025

Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announce a limited bilateral trade agreement, which keeps 10% tariffs on British imports to the United States.

May 12, 2025

The U.S. and China agree to a 90-day tariff reduction, with the U.S. lowering additional duties on Chinese imports to 30%, while China cuts tariffs on U.S. goods to 10% from 125%.

May 29, 2025

A federal appeals court temporarily reinstates Trump’s most sweeping tariffs, pausing a lower court ruling while the government’s appeal is reviewed.

June 3, 2025

Trump signs an executive proclamation raising tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50%.

July 3, 2025

Trump announces a 20% tariff on many imports from Vietnam, while trans-shipped goods through Vietnam face a 40% tariff.

July 7, 2025

Trump confirms that previously announced higher duties will begin August 1, with tariffs ranging from 25% to 40% for 14 countries.

July 15, 2025

The U.S. and Indonesia reach a new framework agreement, lowering threatened tariffs on Indonesian goods to 19% from 32%.

July 22, 2025

Trump strikes a trade deal with Japan that includes lowering tariffs on auto imports to 15%.

July 30, 2025

The U.S. reaches a deal with South Korea, reducing planned levies on imports to 15%.

July 31, 2025

Trump signs an executive order imposing tariffs ranging from 10% to 41% on 69 trading partners, ahead of the trade deal deadline. He also increases the tariff rate on Canadian goods.

August 6, 2025

Trump imposes an additional 25% tariff on goods from India, claiming the country indirectly imported Russian oil.

August 7, 2025

Higher tariffs on imports from dozens of countries take effect, forcing major trade partners like Switzerland, Brazil, and India to seek better deals.

August 11, 2025

Trump extends a tariff truce with China for another 90 days, delaying the implementation of three-digit duties until November 10.

August 21, 2025

The U.S. and European Union lock in a framework trade deal, setting tariffs at 15% on most imports.

September 30, 2025

Trump imposes 10% tariffs on imported timber and lumber, and 25% tariffs on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and upholstered furniture.

January 14, 2026

Trump imposes a 25% tariff on certain AI chips, including Nvidia’s H200 AI processor and a similar semiconductor from AMD.

January 17, 2026

Trump vows to implement a new wave of tariffs on eight European allies until the U.S. is allowed to buy Greenland. He says additional 10% tariffs will take effect on February 1, rising to 25% on June 1.

Summary

Trump’s tariff actions have created a volatile trading environment, affecting supply chains and market stability worldwide. While some measures were temporarily paused or negotiated, the overall trend points to rising protectionism and escalating trade tensions. -Compiled by Paolo Laudani and Mateusz Rabiega in Gdansk; editing by Jamie Freed, Lincoln Feast, Matt Scuffham, Milla Nissi-Prussak and Helen Reid/Reuters