History of The US- China trade conflict

The U.S. imposes tariffs on imported solar panels and washing machines, signaling a tougher stance on trade.

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.

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’s State Council announces a plan for reciprocal 25% tariffs on 106 U.S. goods, including key exports like soybeans, automobiles, and aircraft.

Chinese officials agreed to "substantially reduce" America's trade deficit with China by committing to "significantly increase" its purchases of American goods.

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."

Donald Trump released a list of $34 billion of Chinese goods to face a 25% tariff.

China's retaliatory 25% tariffs on $16 billion of U.S. goods take effect.

China retaliates with tariffs on $60 billion of U.S. goods

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.

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%.

President Trump announces global tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum imports, impacting Chinese producers.

China announces it will halve its retaliatory tariffs on some U.S. goods.

The Trump administration announces a delay in the planned tariff increase on $200 billion of Chinese goods.

President Trump reverses course again, announcing via Twitter his intention to raise tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods from 10% to 25%.

The U.S. officially increases the tariff rate on $200 billion of Chinese goods to 25%.

China announces it will raise tariffs on $60 billion of U.S. goods, effective June 1

China's retaliatory tariffs on $60 billion of U.S. goods take effect.

Trump announces new 10% tariffs on the remaining $300 billion of Chinese imports.

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.

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.

The U.S. halves the tariff rate on $120 billion of Chinese goods from 15% to 7.5%.

China announces a new list of 79 U.S. products eligible for tariff waivers.

The World Trade Organization ruled that U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods in 2018 were illegal.

Joe Biden is inaugurated as U.S. President, inheriting the existing tariffs on Chinese goods.

The Biden administration imposes sweeping export controls on advanced semiconductor and chip-making equipment to China.

The U.S. secures a deal with the Netherlands and Japan to restrict exports of advanced chip-making machinery to China.

The G7 announces a new initiative to counter "economic coercion," widely seen as a response to China's practices.

President Biden signs an executive order to block and regulate high-tech U.S.-based investments going to China.

The U.S. announces new restrictions on the export of advanced artificial intelligence chips to China.

The Biden administration announces steep tariff hikes on a range of Chinese imports, including electric vehicles, batteries, solar cells, and steel.

The U.S. imposes a 10% tariff on a wide array of Chinese goods.

China retaliates with tariffs on a selection of U.S. imports.

China responds with a further round of retaliatory 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.

The U.S. increases its tariffs on Chinese goods to 20%.

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 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.

The second round of 25% U.S. tariffs on $16 billion of Chinese goods is implemented.