A Comprehensive Timeline of Trump’s Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China

The Trump administration’s trade policies, particularly the imposition of tariffs on key trading partners like Canada, Mexico, and China, reshaped global trade dynamics. This article provides a detailed timeline of these tariffs, their impacts, and the resulting trade wars.

The Beginning of Trump’s Tariff Strategy

When President Donald Trump took office in 2017, he prioritized protecting American industries and reducing trade deficits. His administration quickly adopted a protectionist approach, targeting major trading partners with tariffs.

Early Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

In 2018, the U.S. imposed tariffs on steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) imports from Canada and Mexico, citing national security concerns. These tariffs strained relationships with two of America’s closest allies and trading partners, leading to retaliatory measures.

Escalating Tensions with China

China became the primary focus of Trump’s tariff strategy. The U.S. accused China of unfair trade practices, including intellectual property theft and forced technology transfers.

The First Wave of China Tariffs

In July 2018, the U.S. imposed tariffs on $34 billion worth of Chinese goods. This marked the beginning of a prolonged trade war, with both countries engaging in tit-for-tat tariff hikes.

Expanding Tariffs and Negotiations

By September 2018, the U.S. had imposed tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods. Despite ongoing negotiations, tensions remained high, with China retaliating with tariffs on American agricultural products like soybeans and pork.

The USMCA Agreement and Tariff Relief

• In 2019, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico reached a new trade agreement, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA. As part of the deal, the U.S. lifted steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada and Mexico, easing trade tensions.

The Phase One Trade Deal with China

In January 2020, the U.S. and China signed the Phase One trade deal. China agreed to purchase $200 billion worth of U.S. goods and services, while the U.S. reduced some tariffs. However, many tariffs remained in place, leaving the trade war unresolved.

Impact of Trump’s Tariffs on Global Trade

Trump’s tariffs had far-reaching consequences:

• Trade Deficits: Despite the tariffs, the U.S. trade deficit with China persisted.
• Economic Strain: American farmers and manufacturers faced higher costs and lost markets.
• Global Uncertainty: The trade wars created uncertainty in global markets, affecting businesses worldwide.
  

  A Comprehensive Timeline of Trump’s Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China