Since assuming his second term in January 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump has reactivated his trade strategy based on aggressive tariffs, causing tensions with allies and strategic partners like Mexico, Canada, China, and Brazil.
1. January 2025: Initial Threats and Announcements
Days after his inauguration, Trump resumed his protectionist rhetoric by announcing plans to impose tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese products, along with a 25% duty on Mexican and Canadian goods. The declared goal was to reduce the trade deficit and pressure partners on issues like migration and control of fentanyl.
2. February 2025: Steel and Aluminum Tariffs Officialized
On February 10, Trump signed a decree imposing a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, revoking previous exemptions granted under the USMCA. The measure was rejected by industrial sectors and regional governments, but the president insisted it was crucial for revitalizing domestic production.
3. April 2025: Imported Car Tariff Enters Effect
On April 3, a new 25% tariff on foreign-made automobiles and auto parts came into effect. Initially aimed at China, it also affected T-MEC partners, especially Mexico, as one of the main exporters of vehicles to the U.S.
4. July 2025: New Tariff Offensive
During the second week of July, Trump intensified pressure with new announcements:
- 35% tariff on Canada, set to take effect August 1.
- Threats of 20-25% tariffs on Brazil and other Asian countries (excluding China), with additional surcharges if they maintain alliances with blocks like the BRICS.
Trump also announced that starting August 1, 2025, he would impose a 50% tariff on copper due to “national security” reasons. Copper is vital for the energy transition and other technologies.
“I am announcing a 50% tariff on copper, effective August 1, 2025,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
He claimed the measure was based on a “solid NATIONAL SECURITY EVALUATION,” citing the U.S.’s need to build semiconductors, aircraft, ships, ammunition, data centers, and missile defense systems, among other developments crucial to copper.
“Copper is the second most used material by the Department of Defense!” Trump concluded.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main focus of Trump’s tariff policy? The primary goal is to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and pressure trading partners on issues like migration and drug control.
- Which industries were initially targeted by these tariffs? Steel, aluminum, and automobile industries were initially targeted.
- What reasons did Trump give for imposing a 50% tariff on copper? He cited “national security” and the need for copper in various U.S. defense and technology sectors.
- Which countries were threatened with additional tariffs? Brazil and other Asian countries (excluding China) were threatened with additional tariffs.
