1. Home
  2. >
  3. News
  4. >
  5. U.S. Trade Policy Shifts 2025: Timeline of Tariffs and Global Impact (April–August)
  • Home
  • >
  • News
  • >
  • U.S. Trade Policy Shifts 2025: Timeline of Tariffs and Global Impact (April–August)

U.S. Trade Policy Shifts 2025: Timeline of Tariffs and Global Impact (April–August)

July 10, 2025

In April 2025, former President Donald Trump reignited his hardline trade agenda by imposing sweeping tariffs on nearly all U.S. imports. Citing persistent trade imbalances, unfair foreign competition, and the need to revive domestic manufacturing, Trump invoked emergency powers to introduce a baseline 10% tariff, excluding Canada and Mexico. Framing the move as a bold effort to protect American jobs and industries, the administration aimed to pressure trading partners into renegotiating terms more favorable to the U.S. The decision quickly reshaped global trade dynamics and triggered intense diplomatic negotiations.


April 2025: Introduction of Sweeping Tariffs

  • April 2: President Trump announced a 10% universal tariff on nearly all imports, excluding Canada and Mexico, under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This move aimed to address trade deficits and perceived unfair trade practices. (hbkcpa.com)

  • April 5: The 10% baseline tariff took effect. (hbkcpa.com)

  • April 9: Country-specific "reciprocal" tariffs were scheduled to commence, targeting nations with significant trade surpluses with the U.S. (hbkcpa.com)

  • April 10: Executive Order 14257 temporarily suspended country-specific tariffs (excluding China), maintaining the 10% universal tariff until July 9. (glc-inc.com)


May 2025: Trade Deficit Narrows

  • May: The U.S. trade deficit narrowed sharply to $61.6 billion, the lowest since September 2023, primarily due to a significant drop in imports as businesses adjusted to the new tariff regime. (money.usnews.com)


June 2025: Ongoing Negotiations and Partial Agreements

  • June 30: The U.S. and the United Kingdom finalized a partial trade agreement, maintaining a 10% base tariff with certain preferential terms. (theguardian.com)

  • Throughout June: Negotiations continued with several countries. Vietnam agreed to a 20% tariff and 40% on transshipped goods, while talks with Canada resumed after it withdrew a digital services tax. (businessinsider.com)


July 2025: Tariff Extensions and New Measures

  • July 6: President Trump extended the tariff negotiation deadline from July 9 to August 1, providing countries additional time to reach agreements. (theguardian.com)

  • July 7: The administration sent tariff notification letters to 12 countries, indicating new tariffs up to 70% effective August 1. (time.com)

  • July 8: President Trump announced a 50% tariff on copper imports to boost domestic production. This led to a significant increase in U.S. copper futures prices. (reuters.com)

  • July 8: Additional tariff letters were prepared for 15 to 20 more countries, with a general notice for those not receiving individual letters. (marketwatch.com)

  • July 9, 2025: President Trump announces a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, citing political concerns.

  • July 10, 2025: Brazil announces reciprocal measures; global markets react to the escalating trade dispute.

  • July 11, 2025: Trump targets Canadian goods with 35% tariffs (impacting the loonie and markets); U.S. launches its first rare-earth mine—a tariff strategy pivot

  • July 12, 2025: Trump confirms 30% tariffs on EU and Mexico beginning August 1; EU warns of retaliation & pushes for negotiated fix

  • July 13, 2025: EU delays its countermeasures to allow deal talks; German officials express cautious optimism

  • July 14, 2025: Warning of up to 100 % secondary tariffs on Russia

  • July 15, 2025: EU warns 30 % tariff could undermine Eurozone growth

  • July 22, 2025: US–Japan deal, tariffs cut to 15%, backed by $550 B investment

  • July 22, 2025: 19% tariff announced on Philippine imports during PH President Marcos visit

  • July 27 to 29, 2025: Finalization of the U.S.–EU 15% baseline tariff agreement to take effect August 1

  • July 28, 2025: Advance tariff negotiations with China to extend tariff truce before the August 12 deadline

  • July 29, 2025: India–U.S. trade talks continue, with India expecting tariffs up to 25% and a broader deal by autumn.


August 2025: Major U.S. Trade Actions Take Effect

  • August 1: Executive Order Signed (Late July 31)
    President Trump signed an executive order imposing steep new tariffs on 66–69 countries, including the EU, India, Taiwan, Brazil, Canada, South Africa, and others. These tariffs range broadly—some as high as 41%—and were scheduled to begin August 7, though Canadian tariffs (35%) activated on August 1 due to special fentanyl-related measures.

  • August 1: Tariff Scope & Country Rates

    • Canada: 35% duties on most goods, tied to fentanyl tensions.

    • India: 25% tariffs initiated.

    • South Africa: 30% rate applied.

    • Taiwan: 20% duty enacted.
      Several countries were exempted or negotiated reduced rates (e.g. Cambodia, Lesotho, Madagascar).

  • August 7:  Reciprocal Tariffs Fully Activated

President Trump’s expanded set of reciprocal tariffs officially took effect on August 7, following a temporary pause. Affected goods from roughly 60–70 countries are now subject to newly defined ad valorem rates, marking the most sweeping update since April.

o   Switzerland's tariff rose from 31% to 39%

o   India faces a total 50% tariff > 25% reciprocal plus another 25% penalty linked to its imports of Russian oil.

  • August 18:  Section 232 tariffs expanded to 50% on new steel/aluminum categories

U.S. broadened its Section 232 tariffs by adding over 400 new HTS codes covering steel and aluminum derivatives. These products now carry a 50% metal-content tariff, and importantly, the new rates apply even to goods already in transit.

  • August 19:  India confirms $48B exports subject to 50% tariff from Aug 27


The U.S. trade landscape remains in flux as negotiations, tariff adjustments, and policy shifts continue to unfold under the Trump administration. With key deadlines extended and new measures announced weekly, global markets and trading partners are closely watching for the next move. As these developments evolve, this article will be regularly updated to reflect the most current information on U.S. and global trade policies. Stay tuned for the latest updates, insights, and implications impacting businesses, supply chains, and international relations.

Updated Tariff rates as of August 21, 2025

Country/Sector

Previous Rate (%)

Current Rate (%)

Notes

Brazil

10

50

Raised due to Bolsonaro trial tensions; confirmed Aug 1

Cambodia

49

36

Reduced from 49% post bilateral negotiations

Indonesia

32

19

Lowered via July 23 trade deal with U.S.

Vietnam

46

20 (deal) / 46

Default 46%; 20% under verified exporter agreement

Philippines

20

19

Deal-based reduction from 20% to 19%

Canada

10

35

New 35% tariff imposed under Aug 1 Executive Order

Switzerland

31

39

Raised from 31% to 39% due to financial imbalance

India

26

50 (25% reciprocal + 25% oil penalty)

25% reciprocal + 25% Russia oil-related penalty; effective Aug 27

European Union

20

15 (pending)

Pending EU-wide deal to finalize 15% auto tariff retroactive to Aug 1

United Kingdom

10

10

Maintained under existing U.S.-UK agreement

Australia

10

10

Unchanged under alliance status

Japan

25

15

Reduced via Japan-U.S. deal (July 22)

South Korea

25

25

No new deal; remains at 25%

Mexico

10

10

Maintained baseline reciprocal tariff

China

10

10 (suspended)

Reciprocal tariffs suspended until Aug 12; Section 301 still applies

Malaysia

25

24

Confirmed in July letters

Thailand

36

36

No change; trade surplus cited

Bangladesh

37

37

Targeted due to labor and textile policy concerns

South Africa

30

30

Remains unchanged; broad-based reciprocal tariff

Other Countries

10

10

Default baseline for non-listed countries

Pharmaceuticals (sector)

200

200

Tariff remains at 200%; pharmaceutical protection

Copper (sector)

50

50

Remains at 50% to protect strategic minerals

Steel & Aluminum Derivatives

25 (Section 232)

50

Expanded Aug 18 to over 400 HTS codes; 50% rate even in transit


More News

A New Chapter in U.S.-U.K. Trade: What the Economic Prosperity Deal Means for Business

June 17, 2025

Explore how the 2025 U.S.-U.K. Economic Prosperity Deal reshapes tariffs, boosts exports, and opens new opportunities for automotive, aerospace, and metals trade.

a-us-customs-and-border-protection-member-performs-be8611

U.S. Ends De Minimis Exemption Globally: Major Expansion of April 2025 Policy

April 25, 2025

On April 24th, The US Department of Homeland Security and US Customs & Border Protection have released new guidance around the end of the US' de minimis exception. See the changes ahead for importers and customs professionals.

ILA 2024 Strike: What Ports Are Affected & More

October 03, 2024

The International Longshoremen's Association began their strike October 1, 2024, affecting ports running along the east coast and Gulf regions of the United States. See what ports are affected and what this strike can mean for shippers.

International Economic Emergency Powers Act (Reciprocal Tariffs Act): Everything Importers, Exporters & Consumers Need to Know

April 02, 2025

On April 2nd, the Trump administration announced reciprocal tariffs aimed at 50 countries and a baseline 10% tariff on all imports to the US. Here are the latest tariffs the US plans to levy against other countries.

60457ea560ffdb3e4c7737e349f77fe4

How Chinese Manufacturers are Adapting to the U.S. - China Trade War

June 15, 2019

Ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China continue to be the defining story of the 2019 global economy. What started off as an ongoing dialogue about the economic relationship between the two largest economies in the world has transformed

8ead128b3115b21a23a40ed64b0df1d5

The Essential Guide to FF&E Shipping in the Hospitality and Hotel Sectors

July 27, 2023

In the hospitality and hotel sectors, the success of a project often hinges on countless elements working together seamlessly. Among these, shipping Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) plays an integral role, often influencing a project's timeline,

c0cf24a6d605a7d2d6223c65c8c89941

The Ultimate Guide to International Air Freight Charges

March 27, 2023

This article will explain what international air freight charges are and how to calculate the chargeable weight when shipping goods overseas.

ca84cc53cd62b0ddf4fa103f45aa09e0

Severe weather and its impact on trucking

January 21, 2021

What kinds of weather have the biggest impact on trucking? How should shippers plan?

6d1c58e63fb0bd3e3c0ba0652f4eb508

How To Fix The Supply Chain: Q&A

November 09, 2021

Founder & CEO of Freight Right Global Logistics, Robert Khachatryan, sat down with Tuck Ly, Vice President of Clearpoint International, to discuss the major issues affecting the global supply chain and port congestion

7e6aeddfa212b8e19078edc59c652137

Where have all the truckers gone and how do we get them back?

September 28, 2020

The amount of truckers is dwindling and it is not good news for the freight industry. Why is this happening and what are the long and short term solutions?