#TrumpTariffs During his second presidency, American President Donald Trump enacted a series of strong protectionist tariffs that affected almost all imported goods to the United States. Between January and April 2025, the average effective tariff rate in the U.S. increased from 2.5% to approximately 27%, the highest level in over a century.

Trump escalated the trade war with China, raising the base tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%. In retaliation, China imposed a minimum tariff of 125% on American products and restricted exports of rare earths, crucial for high-tech industries. Trump also initiated a trade war with Canada and Mexico by imposing a 25% tariff on both countries, but later granted indefinite exemptions for products complying with the USMCA. He presented these actions as efforts to hold countries accountable for drug smuggling and illegal immigration while supporting domestic manufacturing. [3] [4] Subsequently, Trump added a 25% tariff on steel, aluminum, and automobiles from all countries.