Tariff Timeline: A Real-Time Look at 2025’s Key Trade Shifts

July30th- New tariffs to India and Additional Duties for Brazil

25% in Imports from India.

• U.S. President Donald Trump declared that a 25% tariff will be placed on a broad range of imports from India, effective August 1, 2025

• Trump also mentioned an unspecified additional penalty tied to India’s ongoing purchases of military equipment and energy from Russia, which he described as supporting Moscow’s war in Ukraine

U.S. Imposes 40% Tariff on Brazilian Imports Amid Rising Tensions

On July 30, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order imposing an additional 40% tariff on most goods imported from Brazil, citing threats to U.S. national interests due to Brazil’s internal political actions and alleged coercion of U.S. companies. The new duties, raising the total tariff to 50%, will apply to products entered for consumption starting August 6, 2025. However, shipments already in transit before that date and entered by October 5 will be exempt. Specific exemptions also cover humanitarian donations, informational materials, civil aircraft components, and items under Section 232 like steel, aluminum, and vehicles. The move adds significant pressure on U.S.-Brazil trade while carving out critical exceptions to soften the impact on key sectors.

July 27th- EU and USA Deal Lifts Tariffs: Transatlantic Logistics Is Back in Business

The July 2025 EU–U.S. trade agreement marks a major reset in transatlantic commerce, suspending billions in tariffs on goods ranging from steel to agricultural products. This move revives trade flows that had been restricted for years and signals renewed collaboration between two of the world’s largest economies. The deal is expected to boost logistics activity across the Atlantic, particularly in sectors like aerospace, automotive, and CPG. It also creates new opportunities for freight forwarders, customs brokers, and warehousing providers to support an anticipated rise in trade volumes.

While not a full free trade agreement, the deal lays the groundwork for future regulatory alignment and regional supply chain growth. For logistics leaders, this is a strategic window to optimize routes, reduce costs, and strengthen cross-border operations.

July 15th to 19th – Trade & Tariff Update: Key Developments to Watch

Country-Specific Trade Deals
The Trump Administration is working on 5–6 potential trade agreements, expecting 2–3 to materialize if partners open markets to U.S. goods. Highlights:

• India: Included in talks; details pending, may resemble Indonesia deal.

• South Korea: More receptive, increasing chances of a favorable deal.

• Japan: Likely to face a 25% unilateral tariff instead of a trade deal.

• Vietnam & China: No significant updates expected before August 1.

Blanket Tariff Rate on Other Countries
Instead of individual deals with 150+ nations, the administration plans to issue letters setting a 10–15% blanket tariff (previously 15–20%). Final decision is pending.

Sectoral Tariffs Under Section 232

• Pharmaceuticals: Tariffs start at month-end, initially low, then rise sharply after one year to incentivize U.S. production.

• Semiconductors: Similar timeline, with fewer complications.

• Other Products: Tariffs under consideration for lumber, critical minerals, heavy-duty trucks, aircraft, polysilicon, drones. Outcomes may hinge on domestic lobbying.

Action Steps: Importers should engage in advocacy, reconfigure supply chains, and review duty liability clauses in contracts.

CBP Issues Guidance
Under CSMS #65649652 (July 16), the 25% Section 232 duty applies only to non-U.S. content value for USMCA-qualified passenger vehicles and light trucks.

July 12th- Trump’s 30% Tariff Threat on EU and Mexico

On July 12, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would impose 30% tariffs on nearly all imports from the European Union and Mexico starting August 1. The move has drawn strong reactions from global leaders, with both the EU and Mexico warning of possible countermeasures if no agreement is reached. While markets have responded cautiously, the announcement raises concerns about rising import costs, supply chain disruptions, and escalating trade tensions. With high-stakes negotiations underway, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this becomes a full-scale trade dispute.

July 10th- U.S. to Impose 35% Tariff on Canadian Goods Amid Growing Trade Tensions

The U.S. is escalating trade tensions with Canada by announcing a new 35% tariff on Canadian goods, set to begin August 1, 2025. This move, driven by concerns over fentanyl trafficking, Canadian dairy tariffs, and non-tariff barriers, raises questions about how it will interact with existing 25% IEEPA-based tariffs. Meanwhile, Canada has suspended its planned retaliatory tariffs and re-entered trade negotiations. In a parallel development, the U.S. will also impose a 50% Section 232 tariff on copper imports, aimed at protecting key national security industries.

July 9th- New Round of Country-Specific Tariff Letters Announced: U.S. Sets August 1 Deadline for Implementation

The U.S. expanded its list of trading partners receiving reciprocal tariff letters, bringing the total to 22 countries. These new tariffs are set to take effect on August 1, and could have major implications for importers, exporters, and global supply chains.

🔍 Key updates include:

• New tariff rates for Brazil, Sri Lanka, Iraq, and more
• Anti-evasion clauses and potential for adjustments
• Section 301 investigation into Brazil announced
• EU letter expected soon

July 7th- Tariff Deadline Moved to Aug. 1st.  New Rates Announced for 14 Countries

The U.S. government has extended its reciprocal tariff pause to August 1, 2025, and announced new, country-specific tariff rates affecting 14 nations. These new tariffs, ranging from 25% to 40%, target key trading partners such as Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

This move builds on an earlier national emergency declared in April, citing persistent trade deficits as a threat to national and economic security. The extension was formalized in a July 7 presidential order, and reinforced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who revealed that tariff letters are being sent out to each country outlining the new rates and enforcement terms.

Key details from the tariff letters include:

Tariffs now stack on top of existing steel/aluminum (Section 232) duties

Penalties for transshipped goods

Rates may increase further if retaliatory tariffs are imposed by other nations

Tariffs are adjustable, depending on diplomatic and economic alignment

Markets responded with volatility, and global supply chain disruptions are expected. While the U.S. has struck early deals with Vietnam and the U.K., other affected nations are still negotiating.

July 2nd- U.S.–Vietnam Trade Pact before July 9th

Trump’s announcement, made via social media and later confirmed by official statements, outlines a reciprocal trade arrangement that includes:

• A 20% tariff on all goods exported from Vietnam to the United States
• A 40% tariff on transshipped goods, products routed through Vietnam from other countries, most notably China
• Total market access for U.S. goods to Vietnam at zero tariffs

US‑China Framework Takes Shape

On June 10 in London, U.S. and Chinese officials reached a framework agreement, triggering a temporary drop of Chinese tariffs from 145% to 30%, effective mid-May. That move sparked a surge in imports, but it’s a short-term fix awaiting a comprehensive deal.

June 4th- Steel & Aluminum Duties Double Under Trump’s Latest Trade Action

Steel and aluminum tariffs in the United States will double, from 25% to 50%, under a new directive by President Donald Trump. This move marks the administration’s latest effort to shield America’s core manufacturing industries from what it calls “unfair trade practices and global excess capacity,” and to restore critical production capabilities that the White House argues are essential to national security. Additionally, the U.S. will maintain its current 25% tariff on imports from the United Kingdom, pending the outcome of the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Agreement. A quota system or adjusted tariffs could be introduced as early as July 9, 2025.

June 2nd- Courts Overturn Tariffs, Steel Duties Set to Surge

While the rulings have been appealed and the tariffs remain temporarily in place, they represent a major legal challenge to presidential authority over trade policy. Meanwhile, CBP extended the entry deadline for in-transit goods to qualify for tariff exclusions, and the USTR has prolonged key Section 301 China tariff exclusions through August 31.

In parallel, President Trump announced that steel and aluminum tariffs under Section 232 will double from 25% to 50% starting June 4, though no executive order has been issued yet. This follows increased pressure from domestic industry, which is also pushing to expand the list of derivative products subject to the 232 duties. Importers should prepare for shifting costs and compliance demands as these rapid policy changes continue to unfold.

May 29th- Court of Appeals Reinstates Trump’s IEEPA Tariffs

Following the decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals has granted an immediate administrative stay, temporarily blocking enforcement of the injunction while it reviews the case.

• Plaintiffs’ response to the government’s motion is due by June 5, 2025

• The government’s reply must be filed by June 9, 2025

In effect, the tariffs imposed under IEEPA remain in place for now, pending further court action. Most observers expect this matter to head to the U.S. Supreme Court, which would have the final word on the legality of these tariffs.

May 28th- Trump’s Global Tariffs Face Legal Setback After Court Decision

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has moved to block a significant portion of President Trump’s tariff program, issuing a permanent injunction that could dramatically reshape U.S. trade policy. The Trump administration has already filed an appeal, setting the stage for a potential legal showdown that could reach the Supreme Court.

May 10th- U.S. and China Agree to 90-Day Tariff Retrieve

The United States and China have reached a pivotal agreement to reduce mutual tariffs for 90 days, signaling a major de-escalation in their ongoing trade war. Starting May 14, U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods will drop from 145% to 30%, while China will suspend its 34% retaliatory tariff and maintain only a 10% baseline. This temporary retrieve offers much-needed relief for global supply chains—yet it comes with immediate challenges around capacity and rising freight costs, making it essential for importers to act quickly and strategically.

May 8th- Trump’s UK Trade Deal: 10% Tariffs Signal Long-Term Protectionism

On May 8, 2025, President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled a limited trade agreement aimed at easing certain tariffs and expanding market access between the two nations. While the deal marks a diplomatic milestone, it retains the controversial 10% baseline tariff on most UK exports to the U.S., signaling that protectionist policies remain a cornerstone of Trump’s trade strategy.

April 21st- Solar Panel Tariffs Surge to 3,521%
The U.S. imposed dramatic new duties on solar panel imports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, countries responsible for nearly 80% of U.S. solar panel imports. The move, meant to boost domestic manufacturing, has already disrupted utility-scale project timelines and pushed developers to seek alternative suppliers or delay deployments.
Impact: Higher costs for EPCs and stalled installations in states like California and Texas.

Section 301 Tariffs on Chinese Goods Under Review (Again)
The U.S. Trade Representative’s four-year review of Section 301 tariffs on over $300B of Chinese imports is expected to conclude this summer. Industry groups are lobbying for reductions, while national security advisors push for broader enforcement, especially in semiconductors, electric vehicles, and medical supplies.
What to Watch: Possible tariff realignments or expansions by mid-year.

Automotive Supply Chains Eye Mexico, Avoid EU Tariff Risks
Amid tightening emissions standards and EV incentives, the U.S. is considering new tariffs on European-made vehicles, citing imbalances in the EU-U.S. trade relationship. Automakers are accelerating production shifts to North America, with Mexico emerging as a hub for EV components.
Strategy Tip: U.S. importers should revisit sourcing from NAFTA/USMCA-aligned regions.

April 17th, 2025.

This week marked a major development in U.S. trade policy as three new Section 232 national security investigations were officially launched. These investigations target imports of pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and critical minerals, and could lead to new sector-specific tariffs that reshape supply chains and increase compliance burdens for importers.

In parallel, President Trump announced a temporary relief from reciprocal tariffs on select electronic goods—most notably laptops and smartphones—although this relief may be short-lived as the semiconductor investigation proceeds.

At the same time, customs authorities and legal experts are fielding questions from importers trying to navigate the increasingly complex tariff environment. Below is a concise summary of this week’s critical updates:

Three Major Section 232 Investigations Announced

1. Pharmaceuticals & Ingredients

• Scope: Finished drugs (generic and brand), active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), medical countermeasures, and key starting materials.
• Rationale: National security threat due to foreign reliance.
• Expected Outcome: High likelihood of new tariffs.
• Timeline: Final report due in 270 days, though accelerated action is expected.
• Public Comment Deadline: May 7.

2. Semiconductors & Products Containing Semiconductors

• Scope: Chips, wafers, legacy/advanced semiconductors, and downstream electronics that contain them.
• Rationale: Threat from foreign state-backed overcapacity and concentrated supply risks.
• Tariff Risk: High. New tariffs would replace existing reciprocal tariffs for affected goods.
• Public Comment Deadline: May 7.

3. Processed Critical Minerals

• Scope: Minerals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, and downstream goods like EV batteries, magnets, wind turbines, and more.
• Rationale: Foreign dependence, particularly on adversarial nations.
• Timeline: Draft interim report in 90 days; final in 180 days.

Tariff Relief for Electronics (Laptops, Smartphones)

In a surprising move, finished electronic goods have been temporarily excluded from both the 10% baseline tariff and reciprocal tariffs (except those from China). This exclusion applies retroactively to April 5, 2025. Importers may file for duty refunds on eligible entries.

Important Note: These products are still subject to potential future tariffs under the ongoing semiconductor investigation.

April 11th, 2025 – China’s Retaliation

In response to the U.S. increasing tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, China has raised its tariffs on U.S. imports to 125%, effective April 12th. This move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing trade tensions and signals that neither side is backing down. Analysts warn this could further destabilize global supply chains, raise consumer prices, and pressure key industries such as agriculture, automotive, and technology. Businesses trading across U.S.–China lanes should brace for additional volatility and review contingency plans as the standoff deepens. ​

April 10, 2025 – Tariff Update and Temporary Suspension

Under Executive Order 14257, the U.S. suspended country-specific ad valorem tariffs for nations listed in Annex I (excluding China) through July 9, 2025. During this period, a flat 10% Universal Duty Rate applies to imports from these countries.​

Additionally, imports from China, Hong Kong, and Macau are now subject to a 125% ad valorem Reciprocal Tariff, effective April 10, 2025. This is in addition to existing duties, including Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs.

April 9th, 2025 – Reciprocal Tariffs Begin

Higher tariffs targeting specific countries commenced, with rates varying based on the administration’s assessment of each country’s trade practices. ​

April 5th, 2025 – Universal Tariff Implementation

The 10% universal tariff on all imports came into force, affecting a wide range of consumer and industrial goods. ​

April 3rd, 2025 – Automotive Tariffs Enacted

A 25% tariff on imported automobiles and parts took effect, impacting both foreign manufacturers and U.S. automakers reliant on global supply chains. ​

April 2nd, 2025 – “Liberation Day” Tariff Announcement

President Trump declared a national economic emergency and announced:​

• A 10% universal tariff on all imports, effective April 5.​
• Higher “reciprocal” tariffs for 57 countries, based on perceived unfair trade practices, effective April 9.​

These measures significantly increased the average U.S. tariff rate and marked a major escalation in trade policy. ​

March 24th, 2025 – Tariffs on Countries Importing Venezuelan Oil

An executive order authorized 25% tariffs on goods from any country importing Venezuelan oil, effective April 2, 2025, as part of broader sanctions against Venezuela. ​

March 12th, 2025 – Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

The U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, aiming to protect domestic industries from global overcapacity. ​

March 4th, 2025 – Tariffs Implemented on Canada, Mexico, and China

With negotiations stalled, the U.S. enacted the previously announced tariffs:​

• 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico.​
• 10% tariffs on Chinese goods, supplementing existing tariffs.​
• Canada and Mexico responded with retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products, escalating trade tensions. ​

February 3rd, 2025 – Temporary Suspension for Canada and Mexico

Following diplomatic discussions, the U.S. agreed to a one-month suspension of the new tariffs on Canada and Mexico after both countries pledged enhanced border security measures. ​

February 1st, 2025 – Initial Tariff Announcements

President Trump signed executive orders imposing:​

• 25% tariffs on all goods from Mexico and Canada, with a 10% rate for Canadian energy exports.​
• 10% tariffs on Chinese imports, in addition to existing duties.​

These measures were justified under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), citing concerns over drug trafficking and trade imbalances. ​