Trump’s First Major Trade Fight With China
The U.S. imposes tariffs on imported solar panels and washing machines, signaling a tougher stance on trade.
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History of The US- China trade conflict
2018 to 2025
US
An economic conflict between China and the United States has been ongoing since January 2018, when U.S. president Donald Trump began imposing tariffs and other trade barriers on China with the aim of forcing it to make changes to what the U.S. has said are longstanding unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft. The first Trump administration stated that these practices may contribute to the U.S.–China trade deficit, and that the Chinese government requires the transfer of American technology to China.
Trump announces tariffs on $60bn in Chinese imports
Trump signs a memorandum directing the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to investigate and propose tariffs on up to $60 billion worth of Chinese goods, citing intellectual property theft and unfair trade practices.
China Raises Tariffs on 128 U.S. Imports
In response to the steel and aluminum tariffs, China retaliates by imposing its own tariffs on 128 U.S. products, including pork, fruit, and steel pipes.
China levies $50 billion of US goods
China’s State Council announces a plan for reciprocal 25% tariffs on 106 U.S. goods, including key exports like soybeans, automobiles, and aircraft.
US and China put trade war on hold
Chinese officials agreed to "substantially reduce" America's trade deficit with China by committing to "significantly increase" its purchases of American goods.
White House livies 25% tariff on $50bn
The White House reverses its earlier stance and announces it will proceed with 25% tariffs on $50 billion of Chinese goods that contain "industrially significant technology."
US tariffs take effect
Donald Trump released a list of $34 billion of Chinese goods to face a 25% tariff.
China Hits Back
China's retaliatory 25% tariffs on $16 billion of U.S. goods take effect.
Beijing Strikes Back
China retaliates with tariffs on $60 billion of U.S. goods
Trade War Escalates
The U.S. imposes 10% tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese imports, with a provision for the rate to increase to 25% at the start of the new year.
Trump and Xi Agree to 90-Day Trade Truce
President Trump and President Xi Jinping agreed to a 90-day truce, halting new tariffs and pausing the planned increase of the 10% tariff to 25%.
Trump imposes sweeping 25% steel and aluminum tariffs
President Trump announces global tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum imports, impacting Chinese producers.
China to Halve Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods
China announces it will halve its retaliatory tariffs on some U.S. goods.
Trump Signals Tariff
The Trump administration announces a delay in the planned tariff increase on $200 billion of Chinese goods.
Trump Moves to Increase Duties
President Trump reverses course again, announcing via Twitter his intention to raise tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods from 10% to 25%.
Trump escalates China trade war again
The U.S. officially increases the tariff rate on $200 billion of Chinese goods to 25%.
China is raising tariffs on $60 billion of US goods
China announces it will raise tariffs on $60 billion of U.S. goods, effective June 1
China confirms retaliatory tariffs
China's retaliatory tariffs on $60 billion of U.S. goods take effect.
Trump Imposes New 10% Tariffs on Chinese Goods
Trump announces new 10% tariffs on the remaining $300 billion of Chinese imports.
China puts $75bn of retaliatory tariffs
China announces new retaliatory tariffs on $75 billion of U.S. goods, as well as the reinstatement of tariffs on U.S. automobiles and auto parts.
U.S. and China Sign "Phase One" Trade Deal
The U.S. and China signed the "Phase One" trade agreement in Washington. China commits to increasing purchases of U.S. goods and services by $200 billion over two years.
Washington Reduces Tariff Rate on Chinese Imports
The U.S. halves the tariff rate on $120 billion of Chinese goods from 15% to 7.5%.
China Unveils Tariff Waivers
China announces a new list of 79 U.S. products eligible for tariff waivers.
US Tariffs on China Are Illegal
The World Trade Organization ruled that U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods in 2018 were illegal.
Biden finalizes increases to some of Trump's China tariffs
Joe Biden is inaugurated as U.S. President, inheriting the existing tariffs on Chinese goods.
U.S. Tightens Chip Export Rules
The Biden administration imposes sweeping export controls on advanced semiconductor and chip-making equipment to China.
U.S. Rallies Key Allies to Block Advanced Chip-Making Gear From Reaching China
The U.S. secures a deal with the Netherlands and Japan to restrict exports of advanced chip-making machinery to China.
Major Powers Unite
The G7 announces a new initiative to counter "economic coercion," widely seen as a response to China's practices.
Biden Signs Order to Block U.S. High-Tech Investments Flowing to China
President Biden signs an executive order to block and regulate high-tech U.S.-based investments going to China.
Washington tightens controls on advanced AI chips bound for china
The U.S. announces new restrictions on the export of advanced artificial intelligence chips to China.
U.S. hikes tariffs on key chinese imports
The Biden administration announces steep tariff hikes on a range of Chinese imports, including electric vehicles, batteries, solar cells, and steel.
Washington slaps new 10% Tariff
The U.S. imposes a 10% tariff on a wide array of Chinese goods.
China hits back with tariffs on select U.S. imports
China retaliates with tariffs on a selection of U.S. imports.
Beijing Hits U.S. Products
China responds with a further round of retaliatory tariffs.
Washington Targets Beijing With Steep Tariffs
The US administration announced what it termed "Liberation Day" tariffs, further increasing the rates on numerous Chinese products. This aggressive tactic was aimed at pressuring Beijing to concede to US trade demands.
U.S. doubles tariffs on Chinese goods
The U.S. increases its tariffs on Chinese goods to 20%.
US and China extend trade truce
US and Chinese officials agreed to a temporary truce. This included a mutual rollback of some of the recently imposed tariffs, providing a brief respite for global markets.
China responds to the US decision
China imposed retaliatory tariffs on $34 billion worth of U.S. goods, which took effect on July 6, 2025, following a U.S. announcement of similar measures.
Washington Implements Second Wave of Tariffs on Chinese Goods
The second round of 25% U.S. tariffs on $16 billion of Chinese goods is implemented.