From 200% tariff on European wine to 25% on auto imports — A timeline of Donald Trump’s trade war

US President Donald Trump's tariffs on trading partners are expected to ignite a global trade war, especially targeting China, Canada, and Mexico. The latest list includes 25 per cent tariffs on automobiles imported to the US.

However, levying tariffs is not a new development under the Donald Trump administration. During his first term, the US was also engaged in a trade war with China. In his second term, Donald Trump is adopting a similar strategy.

Let's take a look at what has happened so far:

January 20

Soon after officially entering the Oval Office, Donald Trump promised to charge “tariffs and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens."

On his first day in office, Trump also said he expects to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting on February 1 while declining to immediately elaborate on plans to tax Chinese imports.

January 26

Colombian President Gustavo Petro rejected two US military aircraft over the ill-treatment of immigrants. In response, Trump threatened 25 per cent tariffs on Colombian imports. Petro announced a 25 per cent increase in tariffs on US products as a retaliatory measure. However, this decision was later reversed.

February 1

The US President signed an executive order imposing tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China. A 10 per cent tariff was levied on imports from China and 25 per cent on goods from Mexico and Canada. All three countries announced retaliatory measures against the executive order.

February 3

Trump halted his decision on tariffs against Mexico and Canada for 30 days as both countries assured to address concerns about drug trafficking and border security.

February 4

A 10 per cent tariff on Chinese goods imported to the US has come into effect. As a retaliatory measure, China imposed a new set of duties on US goods and launched an anti-monopoly investigation into Google.

February 10

Trump announced an increase in tariffs on steel and aluminium and removed exemptions introduced in 2018 from March 12 onwards. Hence, steel imports would be charged at least 25 per cent. Aluminium tariffs also increased to 25 per cent from 10 per cent in 2018.

February 13

Donald Trump announced plans for reciprocal tariffs to hike US tariffs to match the tax rates imposed by its trading partners “for purposes of fairness.”

He indicated that in addition to China, Canada, and Mexico, additional countries, such as India, could face higher tariffs. Trump also mentioned plans to impose a 25 per cent tariff on European nations.

February 25

Trump instructed the Commerce Department to consider whether a tariff on imported copper is required to protect national security, citing its use in defence, infrastructure and emerging technologies.

March 1

Trump asked the Commerce Department to assess whether tariffs on lumber and timber are needed to protect national security, citing the construction industry and military depend on the supply of wooden products.

March 4

Tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico come into effect, with levies on Chinese goods doubled to 20 per cent.

The then Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced tariffs on over $100 billion worth of US goods in 21 days. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also said her country would respond with retaliatory tariffs on US goods. Meanwhile, China levied 15 per cent tariffs on a range of farm exports.

March 5

The US President granted a one-month exemption from tariffs on goods imported from Mexico and Canada, benefitting US automakers.

March 10

In response to Donald Trump's 20 per cent tariffs, China imposed an additional 15 per cent tariff on US products, including chicken, pork, soybeans, and beef. However, China’s Commerce Ministry stated that goods already in transit would be exempted from the retaliatory tariffs until April 12.

March 12

Donald Trump increased tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports to 25 per cent. In response, the European Union announced retaliatory duties on US products, including steel, aluminium goods, textiles, home appliances, motorcycles, bourbon, peanut butter and jeans.

March 13

Trump threatened to impose a 200% tariff on European wine, champagne and spirits if the European Union levied a 50% tariff on American whiskey.

March 24

Trump announced the imposition of a 25 per cent tariff on countries buying oil or gas from Venezuela, effective from April 2. The move is expected to impact China, which in 2023 imported 68 per cent of oil from Venezuela, per the US Energy Information Administration.

March 26

Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on auto imports, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing. However, the move has raised concerns among automakers who depend on global supply chains for manufacturing.

(With inputs from AP)