What tariffs has Trump announced and why?
- Published
US President Donald Trump has announced a series of tariffs, arguing they will boost American manufacturing and protect jobs.
But the import taxes have thrown the world economy into chaos and many have argued that they will make products more expensive for US consumers.
The US and China have now agreed to slash tariffs they had imposed on each other, for 90 days.
The UK and US have also announced a deal on tariffs, and other countries are hoping to reach an agreement with the White House.
What are tariffs and how do they work?
Tariffs are taxes charged on goods bought from other countries.
Typically, they are a percentage of a product's value.
A10% tariff means a $10 product would have a $1 tax on top - taking the total cost to $11 (£8.35).
Companies that bring foreign goods into the US have to pay the tax to the government.
They may pass some or all of the extra cost on to customers. Firms may also decide to import fewer goods.
Why is Trump using tariffs?
Trump says tariffs will encourage US consumers to buy more American-made goods, increase the amount of tax raised and lead to huge levels of investment.
He wants to reduce the gap between the value of goods the US buys from other countries and those it sells to them. He argues that America has been taken advantage of by "cheaters" and "pillaged" by foreigners.
The US president has made other demands alongside tariffs.
When he announced the first tariffs of his current term against China, Mexico and Canada, he said he wanted them to do more to stop migrants and illegal drugs reaching the US.
What tariffs has Trump announced?
China:
The US and China ramped up huge tariffs against one another in recent months, but have now reached an agreement for significant reductions.
Trump unveiled a 10% tariff on goods from China on 4 February, which doubled to 20% a month later.
On 2 April, Trump announced a universal 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the US, on what he called "Liberation Day". But some nations, including China, were subjected to higher rates.
China retaliated with tariffs of its own, and the ratcheting up of taxes ultimately led to the US imposing a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, on 9 April.
Beijing had a 125% levy on some US goods.
However, the US and China have now both suspended all but 10% of their Liberation Day tariffs for 90 days, starting on 14 May. They have cancelled other retaliatory levies.
This will cut US tariffs on Chinese imports to 30%, while Chinese tariffs on US imports will be reduced to 10%.
The US measures still include 20% aimed at putting pressure on Beijing to do more to curb the illegal trade in fentanyl, a powerful opioid drug.
Trump also imposed significant tariffs on China during his first presidential term. These were expanded by his successor Joe Biden, which cut the amount America imports from Beijing.
But the US still buys much more from China ($440bn) than it sells to it ($145bn).
Canada and Mexico:
Canada and Mexico were also targeted by Trump in February, when he introduced a 25% tax on imports from both countries and a 10% levy on Canadian energy.
There have been a number of delays and exemptions to these tariffs.
In response, Canada introduced a 25% tax on some vehicles imported from the US on 9 April.
Steel and aluminium:
A 25% import tax on all steel and aluminium entering the US - including products made from these metals - took effect on 12 March.
Cars:
Since 2 April, foreign-made cars have faced a 25% levy. This was extended to cover imported engines and other car parts on 3 May.
On 29 April, Trump softened the rules to reduce the effect on US car companies.
10% 'baseline' and higher tariffs:
On 2 April, Trump announced most countries - including the UK - would face a 10% "baseline" tariff on all goods sent to the US.
On 9 April, he unveiled a range of much higher tariffs for about 60 countries, described as the "worst offenders" among America's trading partners.
Hours later he announced a 90-day pause, during which the 10% "baseline" rate would be paid by all named countries apart from China.
In response, many countries are working on retaliatory measures.
Smartphones and computers:
An exemption for some electronic devices from China and elsewhere - including smartphones and computers - was announced on 12 April.
Trump later warned the concession could be short lived.
Films:
On 4 May, Trump said he wanted to introduce a 100% tariff on foreign films to boost the US movie industry.
What have the UK and US agreed?
The UK and the US have reached a narrow agreement over tariffs on some goods traded between the countries.
The UK exported about £58bn of goods to the US in 2024, external, mainly cars, machinery and pharmaceuticals.
The blanket 10% tariffs on imports from countries around the world still applies to most UK goods.
But the deal means there are some exemptions to tariffs being applied to other countries.
The additional 25% import tax the US had placed on cars has now been cut to 10% for a maximum 100,000 UK cars - about the number the UK exported last year.
A 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports into the US that came into effect in March has also been scrapped for the UK.
There will be a quota for how much steel can be exported, although it is currently unclear how much this will cover.
In return, the UK has scrapped a 20% tariff on US beef and raised the quota from 1,000 to 13,000 metric tonnes. The UK has said there will be no weakening of food standards on beef.
How has the world economy responded to Trump's tariffs?
Trump's various announcements have caused volatility on global stock markets, where firms sell shares in their business. Many people are affected by stock market price changes, even if they don't invest in shares directly, because of the knock-on effect on pensions, jobs and interest rates.
The value of the US dollar, usually considered a safe asset, has also fallen in recent months.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) downgraded its prediction for global economic growth in 2025 as a result of the tariffs.
It expects America to be hardest hit, and says a US recession is now more likely in 2025.
As Trump marked 100 days in power, the commerce department said the US economy shrank in the first three months of 2025, after strong growth in the previous quarter.
The president insists his policy is working, but influential voices within his own Republican Party have joined opposition Democrats and foreign leaders in attacking the measures.
Will prices go up for US consumers?
Price increases are expected across a range of imported goods, as businesses pass on some or all of their higher costs.
Adidas and Barbie maker Mattel are among the global firms which have said they will charge American customers more.
Some companies may also decide to import fewer foreign goods, which could make those that are available more expensive.
The costs of goods manufactured in the US using imported components are also expected to rise.
For example, car parts typically cross the US, Mexican and Canadian borders multiple times before a vehicle is completely assembled.
The new tariffs have also resulted in tighter customs checks at the US border, leading to delays.
