What Tariffs Has Trump Introduced and Why Explained

Published: 25 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Former US President Donald Trump has repeatedly turned to tariffs as a core tool of his trade policy, aiming to reshape America’s economic relationships with key trading partners. Tariffs — taxes levied on imported goods — have figured prominently in his approach both during his 2017–2021 presidency and in his renewed political rhetoric since announcing a bid for the White House in 2024. Supporters argue that tariffs protect domestic industries and address unfair trade practices, while critics contend they raise costs for consumers and risk retaliation.

Trump’s most consequential tariff actions began early in his first term, as the administration sought to reduce the US trade deficit and revive manufacturing employment. In 2018, the White House imposed a 25 per cent tariff on steel imports and a 10 per cent tariff on aluminium imports from a wide range of countries, citing national security grounds under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. These tariffs applied to major suppliers including the European Union, Canada and Mexico, previously exempted under longstanding trade norms. The measures sparked objections from trading partners but were defended by Trump as necessary to “protect American workers.”

In addition, the Trump administration launched a high‑profile tariff campaign against China. Beginning in 2018, the United States imposed multiple rounds of tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese goods. By 2019, tariffs on Chinese imports reached levels of up to 25 per cent on a wide swath of manufactured products, electronics and consumer goods. The stated purpose was to confront China’s trade practices, including intellectual property theft, forced technology transfer and state subsidies that Washington said disadvantaged US firms. These actions were part of what became known as the US–China trade war.

Beyond steel, aluminium and China, Trump extended tariffs on other categories. The administration placed levies on solar panels and washing machines under Section 201 of the Trade Act, arguing that surges in imports had harmed domestic producers. Additional tariffs targeted foreign bombardier aircraft and a range of goods from countries that Washington determined had engaged in unfair pricing or trade distortions. Across these measures, Trump used national security and trade remedial authority to justify broad tariffs without securing prior approval from Congress.

The rationale behind Trump’s tariff strategy was consistent: defend US industry, reduce dependency on foreign supply chains, and negotiate better trade terms. Proponents claimed that tariffs would incentivise production within the United States, create jobs and correct longstanding trade imbalances. Trump frequently framed the policy as a way to counteract what he described as exploitative practices by China and other trading partners.

However, economists have noted mixed outcomes. Tariffs can lead to higher costs for American consumers, as import taxes are often passed through in retail prices. They can also provoke retaliatory tariffs on US exports, affecting agricultural producers and other sectors. For example, China’s retaliation to US tariffs included duties on US soybeans, dents in export markets that hit farmers in the Midwest. Tariff‑induced trade tensions also complicated relationships with traditional allies, prompting the US to negotiate exemptions or tariff reductions in certain sectors.

During his 2024 campaign and into 2025, Trump has reiterated support for high tariffs, particularly on Chinese imports, and has called for expanding tariffs into additional sectors such as electric vehicles and critical minerals. His team argues that tariffs remain vital to protect strategic industries and to bring manufacturing back to the United States. Critics counter that long‑term reliance on tariffs can disrupt global supply chains and discourage investment.

Trump’s tariff legacy illustrates a broader shift in American trade policy away from deep integration and toward economic nationalism — an emphasis on prioritising domestic production and leveraging trade barriers as a bargaining tool. Whether future administrations adopt, expand or roll back these tariffs will remain a central question in US economic policy debates.

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