#TrumpTariffs

The Trump tariffs were a series of import taxes imposed by the U.S. government during Donald Trump's presidency (2017–2021) as part of his "America First" trade policy. These tariffs targeted various countries, particularly China, as well as allies like the European Union, Canada, and Mexico. The most notable were the Section 232 tariffs on steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) in 2018, citing national security concerns, and the Section 301 tariffs on over 360 billion worth of Chinese goods, aimed at pressuring China over unfair trade practices like intellectual property theft.

Supporters argued the tariffs protected U.S. industries and jobs, while critics warned they raised consumer prices, hurt farmers (leading to federal bailouts), and sparked retaliatory tariffs. Studies showed the costs largely fell on American businesses and households, with mixed effects on manufacturing. The Biden administration largely maintained these tariffs, reflecting bipartisan concerns over China’s trade policies. The long-term impact remains debated, but the tariffs marked a shift toward protectionism in U.S. trade policy.