Timeline Of Trump Tariffs: From 25% On Auto Imports To Threat Of 200% On European Wines

In his second term, US President Donald Trump is prioritising ‘pro-American’ policies by reshaping the contours of international trade relations. Since assuming office on Jan. 20, Trump has been threatening tariff hikes on Canada, Mexico, China, India and others even if it means souring diplomatic ties.

Some of his policies are beginning to take shape, particularly towards countries like China and Canada, while others aim to ease trade tensions by revising existing tariff norms. The developments have caused a ripple effect in global markets, with indices struggling amid the growing uncertainties. 

While Trump has delayed some of his earlier threats, some countries have responded by retaliating, leading to what some experts are calling the start of a trade war.

Let’s take a look at the timeline of Trump’s move on tariffs:

• January 20: Donald Trump assumed charge, replacing Joe Biden as US President. On his first day in office, he threatened Canada and Mexico with a 25% tariff from Feb. 1, triggering fears of a regional trade war.

• January 26: Trump announced 25% tariffs on all Colombia imports and was met with subsequent retaliatory measures from President Gustavo Petro. However, both countries signalled a halt in dispute later.

• February 1: Trump signs order imposing 10% tariffs on imports from China and 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada, effective Feb. 4.

• February 3: US President announces 30-day pause on his tariff threats against Mexico and Canada.

• February 4: Trump’s new 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports take effect, following which China retaliates with counter measures. Some of its retaliatory tariffs became effective Feb. 10.

• February 10: Trump unveils plans to hike steel and aluminium tariffs to 25%, effective Mar. 12.

• February 13: Trump moves to impose "reciprocal" tariffs on countries like India, aiming to match tariffs with its trade partners for “fairness”.

• February 25: Trump signs an order asking US officials to assess a copper tariff, aimed at protecting US national security.

• March 1: Trump signs another order seeking an assessment on whether tariffs are needed on lumber and timber for national security.

• March 4: Trump’s 25% tariff threat on imports from Canada and Mexico takes effect. Tariff on Chinese imports in the US doubles to 20%.

• March 5: Trump grants one-month exemption on new tariffs impacting goods from Mexico and Canada for US automakers.

• March 6: Trump postpones 25% tariffs on many imports from Mexico and some from Canada for a month. The same day, he announced reciprocal tariffs will take effect on Apr. 2.

• March 10: China retaliates against Trump’s tariffs by imposing additional 15% taxes on key American farm products.

• March 12: Tariffs on steel and aluminium increased to 25%, removing 2018 exemptions. European Union promises to retaliate.

• March 13: Trump threatens a 200% tariff on European wine and spirits if the EU targets American whiskey.

• March 24: Trump announces a 25% tariff on imports from countries buying oil from Venezuela, effective Apr. 2.

• March 26: Trump approves 25% tariffs on auto imports to boost local manufacturing.