Retaliatory tariffs imposed by China on U.S. goods went into effect on Monday, shortly after President Trump announced new tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports.
This latest exchange of tariffs and import restrictions echoes the trade war between the U.S. and China that characterized much of Trump’s first term and continued, to some degree, under President Biden.
Less than a month after his return to the White House, Trump imposed 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports, a move anticipated to increase prices on goods such as laptops, toys, and clothing.
In response, China levied 15% tariffs on coal and liquefied natural gas, and a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large-engine vehicles imported from the U.S.
Beijing also initiated an anti-monopoly investigation into Google and added PVH, the parent company of Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, to its “unreliable entity” list. Furthermore, China restricted exports of five rare earth metals crucial for defense and clean energy sectors.
As this renewed trade friction threatens to escalate, here’s a summary of key events in the protracted trade dispute:
March 2017
Early in his presidency, Trump, aiming to reduce trade deficits, signed an executive order strengthening tariff enforcement in anti-dumping cases.
April 2017
During a visit to Beijing, Trump and President Xi Jinping agreed to a 100-day plan for trade negotiations aimed at shrinking the U.S. trade deficit with China. These talks failed by July.
August 2017
Trump initiated an investigation into alleged Chinese intellectual property theft, which the U.S. estimated cost it up to $600 billion annually.
January 2018
The U.S. announced 30% tariffs on imported solar panels, primarily sourced from China.
April 2018
China responded with tariffs on approximately $3 billion of U.S. imports, including 15% duties on products like fruits, nuts, wine, and steel pipes, and a 25% tax on pork, recycled aluminum, and other goods.
The U.S. immediately countered by imposing a 25% tax on roughly $50 billion worth of Chinese goods from aerospace, machinery, and medical sectors. China retaliated with 25% duties on approximately $50 billion of U.S. imports, including aircraft, automobiles, soybeans, and chemicals.
June-August 2018
Both countries implemented at least three further rounds of reciprocal tariffs impacting over $250 billion in Chinese goods and more than $110 billion in U.S. imports to China. This included 10% tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods, effective September 2018, scheduled to rise to 25% on January 1, 2019.
December 2018-May 2019
Trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing failed to produce a deal despite an agreement in December 2018 to suspend new tariffs. Following the breakdown of talks, Trump increased tariffs from 10% to 25% on $200 billion of Chinese goods.
May 2019
The U.S. banned Chinese tech firm Huawei from purchasing parts and components from American companies.
June 2019
Trump and Xi agreed to resume trade talks following a phone call, but these discussions faced numerous obstacles over the next five months.
January 2020
The U.S. and China signed a Phase One trade agreement, in which China pledged to purchase an additional $200 billion of U.S. goods and services over two years. However, subsequent research indicated China largely failed to meet this commitment.
October 2022
President Biden, who had maintained most of the tariffs imposed under Trump, introduced extensive new restrictions on the sale of semiconductors and chipmaking equipment to China. These restrictions were further expanded in October 2023 and December 2024.
February 2024
During his campaign, Trump stated his intention to impose tariffs of at least 60% on all Chinese imports if re-elected.
May 2024
Biden increased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, solar cells, steel, aluminum, and medical equipment.
Feb. 4, 2025
New 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports to the U.S. came into effect. China immediately retaliated with a series of countermeasures, including tariffs on American coal, liquefied natural gas, and agricultural machinery.
—Mistreanu reported from Taipei, Taiwan.
