Donald Trump’s 2025 tariff timeline: India, China, EU among 69 countries facing heat over oil, tech and power moves
Nancy Jaiswal | Aug 07, 2025, 14:35 IST
Highlight of the story: Trump’s latest tariff decision targets India over its imports from Russia, adding to a global series of trade actions since January. This detailed timeline breaks down every major move from China to Canada to explain what his economic strategy really signals.
Since returning to office, US President Donald Trump has reignited aggressive trade actions through a series of escalating tariff announcements. His latest move, a 25% tariff on Indian goods due to their links with Russian oil is the most recent in a line of decisions that have rattled markets and international relations. Here's a full breakdown of Trump’s tariff rollout since January 20, mapped through key dates and agreements.
Trump began his tariff actions on February 1, applying 25% duties on most imports from Mexico and Canada, and a 10% rate on Chinese goods. He cited drug control and immigration issues as the rationale. Two days later, a temporary 30-day pause on tariffs was granted to Mexico and Canada in exchange for commitments on border enforcement. China did not receive a similar arrangement.
On February 10, Trump increased steel and aluminum tariffs to 25%. In early March, he confirmed 25% duties on goods from Mexico and Canada starting March 4, while doubling fentanyl-related tariffs on Chinese imports to 20%. A brief exemption for Canadian and Mexican goods under a North American pact followed on March 6. Later that month, he introduced a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and light trucks.
In May, a limited deal with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer preserved 10% duties on British goods while reducing auto tariffs. A truce with China on May 12 cut US duties on Chinese goods to 30%, while China reduced tariffs on US imports from 125% to 10%.
Trump warned Apple on May 23 of a 25% tariff if production remained offshore. On May 29, a federal appeals court reinstated broader tariff powers after an earlier court ruling had suspended them.
On June 3, steel and aluminum tariffs were raised to 50%. By July 3, a 20% tariff was introduced on Vietnamese exports, with 40% levied on trans-shipped goods. On July 6, Trump posted on Truth Social that Brics-aligned countries would face an extra 10% tariff.
July 7 brought letters to 14 nations including Japan and South Korea warning of tariffs between 25% and 40% starting August 1. Additional tariffs were then announced: 35% on Canadian goods (July 10), 19% on Indonesian products (July 15), and 15% on Japanese auto imports (July 22).
Trade deals followed with the EU (15% tariff, July 27) and South Korea (reduced tariffs to 15%, July 30). On the same day, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods and 50% on most Brazilian imports, while giving softer terms to some sectors. A 50% duty on copper wiring and pipes was also scheduled for August 1.
By July 31, he signed an executive order imposing tariffs ranging from 10% to 41% on 69 trading partners. A separate order raised fentanyl-linked tariffs on Canadian goods from 25% to 35%. Mexico received a 90-day reprieve from a 30% tariff to allow trade negotiations.
On August 6, Trump finalized a 25% tariff on Indian goods, citing indirect imports of Russian oil as the reason.
Initial tariff wave targets Mexico, Canada, and China
Trump began his tariff actions on February 1, applying 25% duties on most imports from Mexico and Canada, and a 10% rate on Chinese goods. He cited drug control and immigration issues as the rationale. Two days later, a temporary 30-day pause on tariffs was granted to Mexico and Canada in exchange for commitments on border enforcement. China did not receive a similar arrangement.
On February 10, Trump increased steel and aluminum tariffs to 25%. In early March, he confirmed 25% duties on goods from Mexico and Canada starting March 4, while doubling fentanyl-related tariffs on Chinese imports to 20%. A brief exemption for Canadian and Mexican goods under a North American pact followed on March 6. Later that month, he introduced a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and light trucks.
Blanket tariffs, temporary truces, and bilateral deals
In May, a limited deal with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer preserved 10% duties on British goods while reducing auto tariffs. A truce with China on May 12 cut US duties on Chinese goods to 30%, while China reduced tariffs on US imports from 125% to 10%.
Trump warned Apple on May 23 of a 25% tariff if production remained offshore. On May 29, a federal appeals court reinstated broader tariff powers after an earlier court ruling had suspended them.
Global tariff expansion and India in focus
On June 3, steel and aluminum tariffs were raised to 50%. By July 3, a 20% tariff was introduced on Vietnamese exports, with 40% levied on trans-shipped goods. On July 6, Trump posted on Truth Social that Brics-aligned countries would face an extra 10% tariff.
July 7 brought letters to 14 nations including Japan and South Korea warning of tariffs between 25% and 40% starting August 1. Additional tariffs were then announced: 35% on Canadian goods (July 10), 19% on Indonesian products (July 15), and 15% on Japanese auto imports (July 22).
Trade deals followed with the EU (15% tariff, July 27) and South Korea (reduced tariffs to 15%, July 30). On the same day, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods and 50% on most Brazilian imports, while giving softer terms to some sectors. A 50% duty on copper wiring and pipes was also scheduled for August 1.
By July 31, he signed an executive order imposing tariffs ranging from 10% to 41% on 69 trading partners. A separate order raised fentanyl-linked tariffs on Canadian goods from 25% to 35%. Mexico received a 90-day reprieve from a 30% tariff to allow trade negotiations.
On August 6, Trump finalized a 25% tariff on Indian goods, citing indirect imports of Russian oil as the reason.