The order directs federal agencies to increase the tariff rate for imports of steel and derivative steel articles, as well as aluminum and derivative aluminum articles, from 25 percent to 50 percent. This increase is effective as of 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 4, 2025. The stated aim is to adjust the imports of these articles so that they do not threaten to impair the national security. [Editor's note: Steel and aluminum (or "aluminium") from the U.K. have a rate of 25%.]

The president announced on his social media platform that he was doubling the tariffs on steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%. The announcement followed remarks he had made earlier at an event celebrating the linkup of Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel (the details of which are still forthcoming). The new rates are slated to go into effect, Wednesday, June 4. [Editor's note: We refrain from marking every little thing the president says, holding until said things become official things. However, tariff announcements are noteworthy events because of their effects on markets, and the possibility that they are enabling grift for the president's coterie.]

The proclamation designates May 18 through May 24, 2025, as World Trade Week. It emphasizes the administration's commitment to combating unfair trade practices and prioritizing the interests of American workers. It mentions actions such as enacting reciprocal tariffs and initiatives to train Americans for future jobs, along with the negotiation of new trade deals like the United States-United Kingdom trade agreement.

A federal judge in Florida says the president has the authority to declare emergencies and impose tariffs based on a ruling from a 1970s court case involving a Japanese zipper company.

Imports from China below $800 will be subject to a 54% tariff or a flat fee of $100. The so-called 'de minimis' tariff rate had been fixed at 120%. The administration also announced that it had scrapped plans to hike the flat-fee rate to $200 on June first.

The order directs federal agencies to modify reciprocal tariff rates with the People's Republic of China (PRC). This change is in response to discussions between the two nations aimed at addressing trade reciprocity and security concerns. The order suspends for 90 days the additional ad valorem duties previously imposed on the PRC, replacing them with a 10 percent ad valorem rate of duty on all articles imported from the PRC, including Hong Kong and Macau, effective from 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on May 14, 2025.

US and Chinese trade officials meeting in Switzerland over the weekend agreed to reduce trade tariffs from 145% (US) and 125% (China) to 30% and 10%, respectively. The reductions will be in place for 90 days while the two erstwhile trade partners continue to negotiate.

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol published a notice that the goods would be exempted from Trump's "reciprocal" 10% tariffs globally, and the 125% tariff targetting China. The shift leaves in place an earlier 20% tariff on goods from China.

The order directs Federal agencies to discontinue the duty-free de minimis treatment for products from the People's Republic of China (PRC), including Hong Kong, that are implicated in the synthetic opioid crisis. These products will now be subject to duties as described in the order, effective from May 2, 2025. The Department of Homeland Security, through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is instructed to implement the necessary actions to enforce this order, including potential temporary suspension or amendment of regulations or notices. The United States International Trade Commission is also directed to adjust the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States as needed to reflect these changes.

The order directs Federal agencies to regulate imports with a reciprocal tariff to rectify trade practices that contribute to large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits. It calls for an investigation into the causes of these deficits, including the economic and national security implications, as well as a review of any unfair trade practices by other countries. The order also emphasizes the need to address non-reciprocal trading practices of U.S. trading partners and the impact of their domestic economic policies on U.S. trade.

President Trump announced broad and steep tariffs on products imported by almost all U.S. trading partners, including a 34% tax on imports from China and 20% on imports from the EU.

The order directs Federal agencies to adjust imports of automobiles and automobile parts into the United States, based on a report from the Secretary of Commerce regarding the effects of these imports on national security. The United States Trade Representative, in consultation with other executive branch officials, is directed to negotiate agreements to address the threat to national security from imported automobiles and certain parts from the European Union, Japan, and any other deemed appropriate countries. Additionally, the Secretary of Commerce is instructed to monitor these imports and report any circumstances that might indicate the need for further action.

3/1/2025: EO:Addressing the Threat to National Security of the Import Timber, Lumber. Directs the Commerce Dept. to investigate whether lumber imports from Canada, Brazil, others pose a national security threat due to dumping and other market manipulation.

Proclamation: Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the Inited States. Announces intention to amend various previous proclamations to levy a 25% tariff on steel imports, effective March 12, 2025.

Canada, Mexico Tariffs on Hold for 30 Days.

Finally the Mexicoand and China tariff EOs are published. That’s 25% on goods from Mexico and 10% on those from China. Both close the “de minimus” loophole (goods costing less than $800 were not taxed).

Trump II Signs EO Imposing Tariffs on Canada. Goods from Canada and Mexico get 25% tariffs; Canadian crude oil gets a 10% tariff. Suppose we will get the expected Mexico and China tariffs on separate EOs.

Trump II Slaps 25% ‘Emergency’ Tariffs on Colombia. In response to Colombia’s refusal to accept a repatriation flight landing in its territory. This appears to have beenresolved. Note to editorial staff: Avoid scrambling when Trump II makes a threat and allow the situation to evolve into an actual event and not an afternoon’s entertainment.