Tag: chronology

Chronology of US Trade Tariffs Unveiled by Trump Admn Since January 2025

As the global countdown begins toward the April 9 deadline for implementation of sweeping U.S. tariffs, diplomatic activity is intensifying across Asia and Latin America, with allies and trade partners scrambling to negotiate exemptions or delays.
President Donald Trump’s April 2 executive order imposing “reciprocal tariffs” of up to 50% on nearly 185 countries has already triggered currency swings, supply chain concerns, and a flurry of diplomatic outreach.
With less than a week left, countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia are pursuing urgent talks with Washington — testing the limits of Trump’s protectionist playbook and potentially reshaping the future of U.S. trade alliances.

Below is a chronological summary of several announcements made by Trump since January 2025 after taking office on Jan 20, 2025:​

January 2025:

  • January 22: The Trump Administration hints at potential tariffs on Russia, though specific details were not provided.

  • January 26: Trump threatens with tariffs of 25% on all Colombian products but were subsequently rescinded.

  • January 27: The Trump Administration threatens tariffs on copper imports, pending further scrutiny. ​

  • January 30: Trump threatens a 100% tariff on all products from BRICS nations (Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, and South Africa) if they push for De-dollarization.

  • January 31: Scrutiny of of imposing tariffs was extended to integrated circuits and the oil and gas sector, with specifics to be determined. ​

February 2025:

  • February 1: Executive Orders 14193, 14194, and 14195 were issued by Trump, imposing tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, respectively.

  • February 3: Executive Orders 14197 and 14198 were signed, further detailing tariffs on Canada and Mexico.

  • February 10: The administration announced a 25% tariff on steel imports, effective March 12, revoking existing exemptions. ​

  • February 11: A 25% tariff on aluminum imports was declared, also effective March 12, with previous exemptions revoked. ​

  • February 13: A Presidential Memorandum ordered the development of a “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” to address non-reciprocal trading arrangements. ​

  • February 14: President Trump indicated considerations for a 25% tariff on automobiles, potentially starting around April 2. ​

  • February 18: Trump threatens 25% tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, with expectations of substantial increases over the course of the year.

  • February 21: The Trump Administration threatens tariffs on Austria, France, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, possibly renewing Section 301 investigations to address digital services taxes.

  • February 25: A Section 232 investigation into copper imports was initiated, with a report due by November 22, 2025. ​

  • February 26: A Section 232 investigation into timber, lumber, and derivative products was launched, with findings expected by November 26, 2025. ​

  • February 27: The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative publishes the 2025 Trade Policy Agenda, outlining the administration’s vision for trade.

March 2025:

  • March 2: President Trump announces a temporary allowance for U.S. imports from Mexico and Canada to continue enjoying the de minimis provision, pending further notification.

  • March 4: Tariffs on Canada and Mexico become effective, with Canada facing 10% on energy resources and 25% on all other products, and Mexico subjected to a 25% tariff on all products.

  • March 24: Trump signs an Executive Order imposing tariffs on countries importing Venezuelan oil.

April 2025:

  • April 2: President Trump announces sweeping “reciprocal tariffs” on 185 countries, with a baseline rate of 10% and a maximum of 50%, affecting both adversaries and key allies in Europe and Asia. China faces an additional 34% tariff, the European Union 20%, Japan 24%, India 27% and Vietnam 46%. These tariffs were set to take effect on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

  • April 2: China announces retaliatory tariffs of 34% on all U.S. goods, effective April 10, 2025.
  • April 3: Global stock markets crash across Asia and other parts due to concerns over the escalating trade tensions.​

  • April 3: Goldman Sachs raises the probability of a U.S. recession from 35% to 45%, citing the potential impact of the tariffs on economic growth.

  • April 4: Bill Ackman, the billionaire investor urges for a 90-day suspension of the tariffs, warning of an “economic nuclear winter” if the tariffs were implemented as planned on April 9, 2025.

  • April 7: President Trump reiterates his resolve to the tariff strategy, describing the measures as “medicine” necessary to address trade imbalances, despite market crashing across Asia, Europe and even the Wall Street.

These actions reflect the administration’s resolve to go ahead with tariffs across various sectors and countries despite recession fears and market declines.

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