Since President Trump took office on January 20, 2025, the administration has implemented significant changes to U.S. trade policy, including most notably with respect to tariffs. Within weeks of taking office, the White House announced changes to tariffs on steel and aluminum which placed a tariff of 25% on all such imports. New tariffs were also separately imposed on imports from Canada, Mexico and China subject to certain exceptions. Then, on April 2, President Trump announced “reciprocal” tariffs on most imports from most countries, branding the day as “Liberation Day” and one of “American industry rebirth.” These tariffs, which include a 10% baseline rate and higher specific tariffs targeting China, Vietnam and the EU, among others, prompted heightened concerns about a trade war. Then, on April 9, President Trump announced that although the 10% baseline reciprocal tariff will remain effect, the higher reciprocal tariffs will be postponed for 90 days—except for China, for which the reciprocal tariff and duties are being increased to 105%, which are being applied in addition to prior 20% duties and the Section 301 duties.
