Most important instrument of his trade policy
Trump and the punitive tariffs: an overview
Updated on 03.04.2025 – 06:20 a.m.Reading time: 2 min.
Donald Trump started initial customs measures on February 1. The reactions did not fail to materialize. An overview.
As soon as Donald Trump had started his office in the White House, he started with his customs policy promised in the election campaign. For the Republican, tariffs are the most important instrument in trade policy. And even before the “day of liberation”, on which he announced a large package of further punitive measures, Trump used this instrument.
The most important events in chronological sequence:
On February 1st Trump announces the first punitive tariffs: China (10 percent), Mexico and Canada (25 percent) are affected. They are collected on automobiles, foods and other goods. Canada reacts immediately and announces Zölle in the same amount.
On February 3rd agree with Mexico and Canada with the USA, the tariffs are exposed to a month.
China quits on 4th February Customs duties of 10 to 15 percent for agricultural products from the United States. The tariffs previously announced by Trump are introduced on the same day.
On February 10th Donald Trump announces 10 percent inches on aluminum and steel imports.
On March 4th The United States is implementing its measures against Canada: 10 percent inches on energy products, 25 percent on others. Mexico is punished with 25 percent inch. China should also be punished. Canada responds to US imports with 25 percent inch, some are implemented directly. China also announces new tariffs.
On March 6th Trump rowed back and loosens the punishments against Canada and Mexico.
On March 12th If the EU announces to defend itself against Trump’s trade policy with its own punitive tariffs. On the same day, the US tariffs come into force for aluminum and steel.
On March 25th If the United States cancel further tariffs of 25 percent to countries that import oil from Venezuela.
On March 26th If the White House announces that it wants to raise tariffs of 25 percent on imported automobiles and auto parts.
On April 2nd announces Donald Trump that he raises worldwide tariffs of ten percent, but for the EU 20 percent and 34 percent for China. The base tariffs should apply from April 5 and the other tariffs from April 9th.
On April 3. the flat-rate tariffs come into force on auto imports of 25 percent. The serves apply to cars and light commercial vehicles produced abroad.
