Donald Trump, who served as the President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, implemented several tariffs (import taxes) as part of his economic policies. The goal was to strengthen the American economy, protect domestic industries, and counter unfair trade practices — especially to reduce the trade deficit with China.

Key Points:

1. What Are Tariffs?

Tariffs are a type of tax imposed on goods imported from other countries. Their purpose is to make imported products more expensive and promote the consumption of local goods by making them relatively cheaper, thus supporting domestic industries.

2. Beginning of Trump Tariffs:

In 2018, Trump first imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum. Later, he extended these tariffs to hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese products in an effort to stop what he called “unfair trade” by China.

3. Trade War with China:

China retaliated by imposing its own tariffs on American goods, leading to a “trade war” between the two nations. This conflict affected not only the U.S. and Chinese economies but also had global economic implications.

4. Impacts:

Some imported goods became more expensive for American consumers

U.S. farmers suffered as China restricted the purchase of their agricultural products

Some domestic industries benefited due to reduced foreign competition

Market uncertainty increased around the world