Taxes on imports have caught the economy off-guard, and the system is reeling.
By Harrison Stidolph
Mar. 19, 2025– It’s been over a month since President Trump imposed his first round of tariffs on U.S. trade partners, and declines in the stock market have many concerned for the future of international trade.
After a lengthy tariff battle during his previous term, Trump acted on his long-lauded plans to impose new tariffs, primarily against the United States’ three largest suppliers–Canada, China and Mexico.
Here is a full timeline of his signed actions so far:
Feb. 1
Trump signs an executive order imposing 25 percent tariffs on nearly all goods coming into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico, with a 10 percent tariff on goods from China. Canada and Mexico respond with strategic tariffs of their own, while China threatens “countermeasures.”
Feb. 3
President Trump agrees to a 30-day pause of his tariffs on Mexico and Canada, yet maintains his threats against the EU and China.
Feb. 4
Trump’s 10 percent tariffs on Chinese imports goes into effect; China responds with levels of response involving tariffs of their own and an investigation into Google.
Feb. 10
President Trump signs an executive order reviving a 25 percent tariff from his last term on all steel and aluminum imports.
Mar. 4
Marking the end of a 30-day pause, tariffs on imports from Canada, China, and Mexico go into effect. In response, Canada announces 25 percent retaliatory tariffs on American imports, most notably common household items, alcohol, and processed materials.
Mar. 5
Facing pressure from the U.S. auto industry, Trump announces a pause to tariffs on cars coming in from Canada and Mexico for one month.
Mexico threatens to impose retaliatory measures against the U.S. if tariffs remain, announcing details to release on March 9.
Mar. 6
Many tariffs placed on imports from Mexico and Canada are suspended. Trump announces that his plans to impose 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports March 12, and tariffs on track for other U.S. trade partners on April 2 still remain.
By Harrison Stidolph
