The United States has enforced broad tariffs on Chinese imports since 2018 while Donald Trump has strengthened these measures to fight fentanyl trafficking and balance trade since returning to office.
The current tariff structure consists of three components: a 20% duty on all Chinese imports and matching tariffs for foreign levies and ongoing Section 301 penalties for trade practice violations.
The first round of tariffs imposed a 15% duty on $120 billion worth of goods until 2020 when it was reduced to 7.5%. The 25% tariffs continue to apply to $250 billion worth of products that were designated earlier.
The U.S. Trade Representative under President Biden implemented 25%–100% duties on 14 strategic sectors including technology and green energy during a four-year assessment in 2024.
The recent actions of Trump for national security and fentanyl enforcement purposes have created worries among worldwide manufacturers together with their trade partners. The tariffs imposed on electronics and medical goods and consumer items create additional supply chain uncertainties.
