Trump escalated an ongoing trade war with China, raising baseline tariffs on Chinese imports to an effective 54% after April 9, 2025.[4] He also initiated a new trade war with Canada and Mexico by imposing a 25% tariff on most goods from the countries, though he later granted indefinite exemptions for goods compliant with the USMCA. Trump framed these actions as a way to hold the countries accountable for contraband drug trafficking and illegal immigration, while also supporting domestic manufacturing.[5][6] He later imposed a 25% tariff on imported steel, aluminum, and automotive products from all countries, with tariffs on auto parts expected to follow.
