DID Press: A review of U.S. trade policies from 2017 to 2025 shows tariffs have become a central tool for Washington to manage economic competition and contain strategic rivals. This trajectory can be summarized in four key phases:
- Start of Trade Confrontation (2017–2018)
In 2017, the U.S. withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), paving the way for a new version without Washington. A year later, the trade war with China officially started, with tariffs imposed on household appliances, solar panels, and heavy metals, targeting $250 billion of Chinese goods. Meanwhile, NAFTA was replaced by the USMCA agreement. - Escalating Tensions (2019–2020)
In 2019, U.S. policies fluctuated; metal tariffs on Canada and Mexico were lifted, but tensions with China peaked, culminating in the Phase One trade deal. In 2020, steel and aluminum restrictions returned, and the China trade agreement was finalized. - Biden Era and Strategic Adjustments (2021–2022)
In 2021, the Biden administration retained some of Trump-era tariffs, including on household appliances, eased pressure on the EU, and reinstated tariffs on the UAE. In 2022, solar panel tariffs were extended with temporary exceptions for Southeast Asia, and metal tariffs were reduced for allies such as Japan, the UK, and Ukraine. - New Stalemates and Targeting Emerging Industries (2023–2024)
In 2023, tariff pressure on Russia intensified, while special tariffs on washing machines ended. 2024 marked a turning point as Washington imposed heavy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and green technologies, even proposing a general 10% tariff.
This evolution reflects the increasing use of tariffs as a strategic instrument to shape global trade in favor of U.S. economic and technological interests.