#TrumpTariffs Donald Trump's tariffs in his second presidency are some of the steepest protective tariffs in modern US history. Here's a breakdown ¹:
- *Average Tariff Rate*: The average effective US tariff rate rose from 2.5% to an estimated 27% between January and April 2025, the highest level in over a century.
- *Tariffs by Country*:
- *China*: Baseline tariffs on Chinese imports were raised to 145%, with retaliatory tariffs of 125% on US goods.
- *Canada and Mexico*: Trump imposed 25% tariffs, later granting indefinite exemptions for goods compliant with the USMCA.
- *Sector-Specific Tariffs*:
- *Steel and Aluminum*: 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, expanded to include empty aluminum cans and canned beer.
- *Automobiles*: 25% tariff on all imported cars, including those from Mexico and Canada, with some exemptions for USMCA-compliant vehicles.
- *Other Tariffs*:
- *Solar Panels*: Tariffs ranging from 41% to 3,521% on Chinese solar panel makers with factories in Southeast Asia.
- *Films*: Proposed 100% tariff on films produced in foreign lands, citing national security concerns.
- *Toys*: Trump threatened 100% tariffs on Mattel, a US toy-maker that diversified production to other countries.
*Impact and Controversy*:
- *Trade War*: Trump's tariffs have sparked a trade war with China, Canada, and other countries, with many economists warning of potential economic pain.
- *Legality*: The tariffs have been challenged in court, with some questioning Trump's authority to impose them under the National Emergencies Act and International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- *Economic Concerns*: The tariffs have contributed to downgraded GDP growth projections and rising expectations of a recession.