US Tariff History Timeline
A comprehensive timeline of US tariff actions from 2018 through 2026, including the landmark February 2026 Supreme Court ruling on IEEPA tariff authority.
CIT Rules Section 122 Surcharge Unlawful
A 2–1 panel of the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that the Section 122 global surcharge exceeds presidential authority. The administration is appealing; the surcharge remains in effect pending the appeal.
Section 122 Surcharge Raised to 15%
The Section 122 import surcharge is raised from its initial 10% rate to 15% (the statutory maximum) effective April 6, 2026. USMCA-qualifying goods remain exempt.
Section 122 Surcharge Imposed (10%)
President issues proclamation invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose a 10% flat surcharge on all imports (USMCA partners exempt for qualifying goods) as the legal replacement for the struck-down IEEPA tariffs. Section 122 carries a 150-day statutory cap.
Supreme Court Strikes Down IEEPA Tariffs
SCOTUS rules 6–3 in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump that IEEPA-based reciprocal tariffs exceeded presidential statutory authority. CBP ordered to process refunds for protested entries.
Pre-ruling IEEPA Tariffs in Effect
The IEEPA-based reciprocal tariffs ("Liberation Day" duties on 57 countries plus fentanyl tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico) remain in effect awaiting the SCOTUS decision in V.O.S. Selections, LLC v. Trump / Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump.
SCOTUS Grants Certiorari
Supreme Court agrees to hear importers’ coalition challenge to IEEPA tariff authority. Lower court injunctions remain in place pending decision.
CIT Rules IEEPA Tariffs Unlawful
The Court of International Trade rules that IEEPA’s emergency authority does not extend to broad peacetime tariff-setting, finding the executive orders exceeded statutory limits.
90-Day Pause on Reciprocal Tariffs
Reciprocal tariffs paused for 90 days for most trading partners. China excluded — tariffs on Chinese goods increased further. 10% baseline tariff remains for all countries.
Liberation Day — Reciprocal Tariff Orders
Executive orders impose country-specific reciprocal tariffs ranging from 10% to 49% on all trading partners based on trade deficit calculations. Takes effect April 5, 2025.
25% Canada and Mexico Tariffs
Section 232 and IEEPA tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports take effect at 25%, citing fentanyl and border concerns. Canada retaliates with counter-tariffs.
Executive Orders on China, Canada, Mexico
Executive orders targeting all three countries with new tariff surcharges. China faces an additional 10% on top of existing Section 301 tariffs.
Trump Second Term Begins
New administration signals intent to use tariffs broadly as economic and foreign policy tools. Series of executive orders begins immediately.
Section 301 China Tariffs
USTR imposes tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. List 1: 25% on $34B. List 2: 25% on $16B. List 3: 25% on $200B (started at 10%). List 4A: 7.5% on $120B after Phase One deal.
Section 232 Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
President Trump imposes 25% tariffs on steel imports and 10% on aluminum imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, citing national security.
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