Trump Tariff Tracker: A Comprehensive Timeline of U.S. Trade Policy in 2026

Quick Overview

The US Tariff Tracker follows major 2025–2026 U.S. trade-policy actions, including the end of IEEPA-based tariff duties, the temporary Section 122 import surcharge, Section 232 sector tariffs, de minimis changes, and new Section 301 investigations.

Updates and Relevant Publications

• July 2, 2026 – USTR scheduled public hearings for the proposed responsive actions in the 60 Section 301 forced-labor investigations. The hearings were scheduled for July 7–9, 2026, with comments due July 6, 2026.
• July 1, 2026 – The United States, Mexico, and Canada held the USMCA joint review. USTR stated that the United States did not agree to renew the USMCA in its current form, creating new uncertainty for North American importers, exporters, manufacturers, and logistics teams.
• June 2, 2026 – USTR made findings and proposed action in the 60 Section 301 investigations on forced-labor import bans. The proposed responsive action includes additional duties of 10% for some economies and 12.5% for others, plus a textile mechanism for certain apparel and textile imports.
• June 2, 2026 – USTR requested public comment on the scope and operation of a mechanism to promote more balanced and reciprocal trade with China.
• June 1, 2026 – The White House further adjusted tariff regimes for imports of aluminum, steel, and copper. The update included temporary changes lasting through December 31, 2027, and a reduced 10% duty pathway for certain capital equipment using high levels of U.S.-origin steel or aluminum.
• June 1, 2026 – USTR issued a Section 301 determination on Brazil’s acts, policies, and practices and proposed responsive action, with written comments due July 1 and a hearing scheduled for July 6, 2026.
• April 2, 2026 – The White House imposed Section 232 tariffs on patented pharmaceuticals and associated pharmaceutical ingredients, including a 100% ad valorem duty rate for covered products unless an exclusion or agreement applies.
• April 2, 2026 – The White House strengthened Section 232 tariff treatment for aluminum, steel, copper, and certain derivative products, while narrowing the scope for products containing 15% or less of those metals.
• March 13, 2026 – USTR announced the signing of the United States–Ecuador Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and published the agreement text and tariff schedule.
• March 12, 2026 – USTR initiated 60 Section 301 investigations into whether economies failed to impose or effectively enforce bans on the importation of goods produced with forced labor.
• March 11, 2026 – USTR initiated Section 301 investigations into structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors involving China, the EU, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, and India.
• February 24, 2026 – A temporary 10% Section 122 import surcharge took effect. The surcharge applies for 150 days unless modified, suspended, or extended by Congress, and Section 122 authorizes a temporary import surcharge of up to 15%.
• February 20, 2026 – The U.S. Supreme Court held that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs. The same day, the White House issued an executive order ending certain IEEPA-based additional ad valorem duties while leaving Section 232, Section 301, the global de minimis suspension, and the Section 122 surcharge unaffected.
• January 14, 2026 – The White House issued Section 232 action on semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and derivative products, including targeted 25% duties on certain advanced computing chips and derivative products, with exclusions for specified uses.
• January 14, 2026 – The White House also issued Section 232 action on processed critical minerals and derivative products, directing negotiations and further action to address import dependence in critical mineral supply chains.
• December 31, 2025 – Scheduled increases on certain timber, lumber, cabinetry, and furniture-related measures were adjusted or postponed under later tariff modifications.
• December 23–29, 2025 – Semiconductor-related China Section 301 actions remained active, but certain new chip tariff increases were delayed to June 2027.
• December 17, 2025 – Switzerland and Liechtenstein tariff treatment was modified retroactively to November 14, 2025, applying the MFN rate or 15%, whichever is higher, while the framework moved toward finalization.
• December 1, 2025 – Federal Register publication extended 178 China Section 301 product exclusions through November 10, 2026.
• November 26, 2025 – USTR announced the extension of 178 China Section 301 product exclusions to November 10, 2026.
• November 10, 2025 – USTR suspended for one year certain Section 301 ships and maritime responsive actions, including port fees on Chinese-linked vessels and duties on certain ship-to-shore cranes and cargo-handling equipment.
• August 29, 2025 – The United States ended the $800 de minimis exemption for all countries, forcing low-value parcels into full customs treatment.
• August 1, 2025 – The 50% copper tariff took effect, raising cost concerns for electronics, construction, electrical equipment, and renewable energy supply chains.
• June 4, 2025 – Steel and aluminum tariffs were doubled from 25% to 50%.
• April 2, 2025 – The administration announced the original 10% baseline reciprocal tariff framework and removed de minimis treatment for China and Hong Kong.
• March 12, 2025 – Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum were reinstated at 25%.
• February 1, 2025 – Executive orders imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada and 10% on imports from China under IEEPA. These IEEPA-based tariff duties were later ended after the Supreme Court decision.

Introduction

U.S. tariff policy changed rapidly across 2025 and 2026. The administration began by using emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, to impose broad duties on imports from Mexico, Canada, China, and later many trading partners under the reciprocal tariff framework.

That legal foundation changed on February 20, 2026, when the U.S. Supreme Court held that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs. In response, the administration ended the IEEPA-based additional ad valorem duties and shifted toward other legal tools, including Section 122, Section 232, and Section 301.

For importers, exporters, freight forwarders, customs brokers, retailers, manufacturers, and e-commerce sellers, this means the tariff landscape is still highly active. The broad IEEPA tariff framework no longer applies, but other measures remain in force or under development:

• Section 122 now supports a temporary 10% import surcharge.
• Section 232 continues to support tariffs on metals, automobiles, trucks, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, timber, and other strategic sectors.
• Section 301 remains active for China-related measures, forced labor, structural overcapacity, Brazil, and other trade-practice investigations.
• The global suspension of de minimis treatment remains one of the most important operational changes for small-parcel and e-commerce logistics.
• USMCA review and new reciprocal trade agreements are creating new planning issues for North American and global supply chains.

This tracker consolidates major U.S. tariff and trade-policy actions through early July 2026. It is designed to help trade, sourcing, compliance, customs, and logistics teams understand what is in force, what has ended, what is proposed, and what may affect landed-cost planning.

Key Tariff Measures

Legal Note: IEEPA-based additional ad valorem tariff duties are no longer the central legal issue after the Supreme Court held that IEEPA does not authorize tariffs. However, Section 232, Section 301, Section 122, antidumping and countervailing duties, and ordinary customs duties remain separate legal authorities. Importers should not assume that the end of IEEPA tariffs removes exposure to all tariff increases.

Chronological Timeline of Tariff Actions

February 1, 2025 – Early Executive Orders

The administration opened 2025 with executive orders imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada and 10% tariffs on imports from China under IEEPA. These measures were tied to fentanyl, border security, and national-emergency declarations.

At the time, the measures immediately affected North American sourcing, customs compliance, retail pricing, automotive supply chains, and consumer goods imports. However, the legal basis for these IEEPA tariff actions was later rejected by the Supreme Court in February 2026.

March 2025 – Targeted Tariffs on Fentanyl and Metals

On March 4, 2025, tariff pressure on China increased through fentanyl-related measures. On March 12, 2025, the administration reinstated Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum at 25%.

The metals measures affected construction, automotive manufacturing, machinery, appliances, packaging, industrial equipment, and downstream products. Unlike the IEEPA actions, Section 232 tariffs were not eliminated by the Supreme Court decision.

April 2025 – Liberation Day and Reciprocal Tariffs

April 2, 2025 marked the launch of the broad reciprocal tariff framework, including a 10% baseline tariff and additional country-specific rates. The administration also removed de minimis treatment for China and Hong Kong low-value imports.

On April 9, 2025, country-specific reciprocal tariff rates were announced. Those reciprocal measures became one of the most important landed-cost issues of 2025, but they were later affected by the February 2026 Supreme Court decision because they had been imposed under IEEPA.

May 12, 2025 – Tactical Adjustments With China

The United States and China entered a temporary de-escalation framework in May 2025. The framework lowered immediate escalation risk while negotiations continued.

For importers, the main takeaway was that China-related rates could shift quickly depending on negotiations, executive orders, and USTR actions. Even when one tariff measure was suspended or delayed, separate Section 301 and Section 232 measures remained relevant.

June 2025 – Escalation on Steel and Aluminum

On June 4, 2025, tariffs on steel and aluminum increased from 25% to 50%. On June 23, 2025, the scope expanded to include additional downstream products such as appliances and industrial machinery.

This was a major cost shock for manufacturers, construction firms, machinery importers, and retailers selling products with high steel or aluminum content.

July–August 2025 – Copper and the End of De Minimis

On August 1, 2025, the copper tariff took effect, affecting electronics, electrical equipment, construction inputs, clean-energy systems, automotive components, and industrial machinery.

On August 29, 2025, the United States ended duty-free de minimis treatment for all countries. This was one of the largest operational changes for e-commerce and small-parcel logistics because shipments valued at $800 or less became subject to full customs processing and applicable duties.

October 2025 – China, Port Equipment, Trucks, and Brazil

In October 2025, the administration announced plans for additional China tariff escalation and export-control actions. USTR also moved forward with Section 301 measures involving China-linked ship-to-shore cranes, intermodal chassis, and certain cargo-handling equipment, although some maritime-related responsive actions were later suspended.

The White House also issued Section 232 action covering medium- and heavy-duty trucks, key truck parts, and buses, effective November 1, 2025. The measure created tariff-credit and offset mechanisms for certain U.S.-assembled trucks and engines.

The Senate also voted to challenge Brazil-related tariffs, signaling growing congressional pressure on broad unilateral tariff actions.

November 2025 – China Deal, Section 301 Suspension, and Food Exemptions

In early November 2025, the United States and China finalized the Kuala Lumpur Joint Arrangement, which suspended heightened China reciprocal tariff escalation and helped reduce immediate escalation risk.

On November 10, 2025, USTR suspended for one year certain Section 301 ships and maritime responsive actions, including port fees on Chinese-linked vessels and 100% duties on certain ship-to-shore cranes and cargo-handling equipment.

In mid-November, the administration also removed reciprocal duties on more than 200 agricultural and food products not sufficiently produced in the United States. On November 20, 2025, the additional Brazil agriculture tariffs were rolled back, leaving only the baseline reciprocal treatment where applicable at that time.

December 2025 – Exclusions, Switzerland, Indonesia, and Semiconductors

On December 1, 2025, the Federal Register published the extension of 178 China Section 301 product exclusions through November 10, 2026.

On December 17, 2025, tariff treatment for Switzerland and Liechtenstein was modified retroactively to November 14, 2025. The framework applied the MFN rate or 15%, whichever was higher, while finalization continued.

In late December, China semiconductor measures remained active, but certain new tariff increases were delayed to June 2027. This kept semiconductor tariffs as a live policy lever while avoiding immediate escalation for some chip-related imports.

January 14, 2026 – Semiconductors and Critical Minerals

On January 14, 2026, the White House issued Section 232 action on semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and derivative products. The action included 25% duties on certain advanced computing chips and derivative products, with exclusions for specific U.S.-focused uses such as data centers, repairs, R&D, startups, consumer applications, civil industrial applications, and public-sector applications.

The same day, the White House issued Section 232 action on processed critical minerals and derivative products. That action focused on reducing strategic dependence on imported processed minerals and strengthening domestic supply-chain resilience.

February 2026 – IEEPA Decision and Section 122 Surcharge

February 2026 was the turning point for the tariff landscape. On February 20, the Supreme Court held that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs. The White House then issued an executive order ending certain IEEPA-based additional ad valorem duties and directed agencies to stop collecting them as soon as practicable.

The same day, the administration issued a separate proclamation under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. That proclamation imposed a temporary 10% import surcharge effective February 24, 2026. The surcharge may remain in place for 150 days unless modified, suspended, or extended by Congress.

This created a new structure: IEEPA tariff duties ended, but a temporary Section 122 surcharge replaced part of the broad tariff framework while sector-specific tariffs under Section 232 and trade-practice actions under Section 301 continued separately.

March 2026 – Ecuador Agreement and New Section 301 Investigations

On March 11, 2026, USTR initiated Section 301 investigations into structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors. The investigations covered China, the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, and India.

On March 12, 2026, USTR initiated 60 Section 301 investigations into whether economies failed to impose or effectively enforce bans on goods produced with forced labor.

On March 13, 2026, the United States and Ecuador signed the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. USTR published both the agreement text and tariff schedule.

April 2026 – Metals and Pharmaceuticals

On April 2, 2026, the White House strengthened and adjusted Section 232 tariffs on aluminum, steel, copper, and derivative products. The update also clarified scope issues, including treatment for products containing 15% or less steel, aluminum, or copper.

The same day, the White House imposed Section 232 tariffs on patented pharmaceuticals and associated pharmaceutical ingredients. Covered products face a 100% ad valorem duty unless a listed exclusion, zero-tariff category, company agreement, or other relief applies.

June–July 2026 – Forced Labor, Brazil, Metals, and USMCA Review

On June 1, 2026, the White House further adjusted tariff treatment for aluminum, steel, and copper imports. These changes included temporary measures through December 31, 2027 and reduced-duty treatment for certain capital equipment using high levels of U.S.-origin steel or aluminum.

Also on June 1, USTR issued a Section 301 determination involving Brazil and proposed responsive action.

On June 2, USTR made findings and proposed action in the 60 forced-labor Section 301 investigations. The proposed action included additional duties of 10% for some economies and 12.5% for others, plus a proposed textile mechanism.

On July 1, 2026, the United States, Mexico, and Canada held the USMCA joint review. USTR stated that the United States did not agree to renew the agreement in its current form, which adds uncertainty for North American supply chains.

On July 2, USTR announced public hearings for the forced-labor Section 301 proposed action, scheduled for July 7–9, 2026.

Sectoral Impacts

Steel and Aluminum

Steel and aluminum remain among the most exposed sectors under the current tariff framework. Tariffs returned to 25% in March 2025, increased to 50% in June 2025, and were later adjusted through 2026 actions covering derivative products and country- or content-based treatment.

Importers of metal products should review product classification, derivative content, country of origin, U.S.-origin metal content, and whether the product qualifies for reduced treatment. The 2026 adjustments create opportunities for some capital equipment, but they also increase compliance complexity.

Automobiles and Auto Parts

Automobiles and auto parts remain exposed to Section 232 measures. A 25% tariff on covered autos and parts continues to affect importers, while North American production may benefit from USMCA-origin treatment when rules of origin are satisfied.

The July 2026 USMCA review adds a new layer of uncertainty. Automotive companies, parts suppliers, and logistics providers should monitor whether rules of origin, tariff treatment, and regional content requirements change during the review process.

Medium- and Heavy-Duty Trucks

Medium- and heavy-duty trucks, key truck parts, and buses are subject to Section 232 tariffs. Covered medium- and heavy-duty trucks and key parts face 25% duties, while buses face 10% duties.

These measures affect fleet operators, dealers, truck manufacturers, logistics companies, construction firms, and public transport procurement. U.S.-assembled trucks and engines may receive tariff-credit or offset treatment through October 31, 2030.

Copper and Electronics

Copper tariffs affect electrical equipment, electronics, cables, renewable energy systems, batteries, power infrastructure, and construction materials. The June 2026 metals update added further complexity by adjusting tariff treatment for aluminum, steel, and copper imports.

Electronics importers also face semiconductor-related uncertainty. The January 2026 Section 232 semiconductor action includes targeted duties on certain advanced computing chips and derivative products, while late-2025 China semiconductor actions and delayed tariff increases remain relevant.

Semiconductors and Advanced Technology

Semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and derivative products are now part of the Section 232 framework. The January 2026 action created targeted duties but also included exclusions for important uses such as U.S. data centers, repairs, R&D, startups, non-data center consumer applications, civil industrial use, and public-sector use.

For technology companies, data-center operators, electronics manufacturers, and importers of advanced machinery, the key issue is not only the duty rate but whether the imported product falls within a covered classification and whether an exclusion applies.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supply Chains

The April 2026 Section 232 action on patented pharmaceuticals and associated pharmaceutical ingredients created one of the highest sector-specific tariff rates in the current framework. Covered products face a 100% duty unless a listed exclusion, company-specific agreement, or zero-tariff category applies.

This affects pharmaceutical companies, healthcare distributors, importers of active ingredients, and supply-chain teams managing production localization or U.S. manufacturing commitments.

Agriculture and Food Imports

Agriculture and food imports saw a partial easing in late 2025 when more than 200 agricultural and staple-food products were removed from reciprocal tariff treatment. Brazil-related agriculture tariffs were also rolled back in November 2025.

However, the end of IEEPA tariff duties and the shift to Section 122 do not remove all agricultural tariff risk. Country-specific negotiations, Section 301 investigations, and sector measures can still affect food, beverage, fertilizer, and agricultural input costs.

E-Commerce and Parcels

The end of de minimis treatment remains one of the biggest operational changes for cross-border e-commerce. Low-value shipments that previously entered duty-free now require customs processing and payment of applicable duties.

This affects marketplaces, direct-to-consumer brands, parcel consolidators, postal operators, express carriers, and fulfillment providers. Businesses need better HS classification, declared value accuracy, country-of-origin tracking, and duty calculation before checkout.

Port Equipment and Cargo-Handling

China-linked ship-to-shore cranes, chassis, and cargo-handling equipment remain important risk areas because of Section 301 port-security measures and later suspensions. Even where duties or port fees are suspended, procurement decisions remain affected by tariff uncertainty.

Ports, terminals, and logistics infrastructure operators should evaluate sourcing, financing, spare parts, maintenance schedules, and procurement timing before committing to major capital equipment orders.

Apparel, Textiles, and Forced-Labor Compliance

The 60 Section 301 forced-labor investigations may create new duty exposure for apparel, textiles, and other goods linked to economies that USTR says failed to enforce forced-labor import bans.

The proposed textile mechanism could allow some apparel and textile imports from certain economies to enter at a reduced Section 301 tariff rate, but the details remain subject to the final action. Importers should review supplier mapping, forced-labor compliance, product origin, and documentation practices.

Legal and Political Context

The central legal issue changed in February 2026. Before then, the major question was whether IEEPA gave the President authority to impose broad tariffs. The Supreme Court answered that question by holding that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs.

As a result, the broad reciprocal, fentanyl-related, Brazil, Cuba, Iran, Russia-related, and other IEEPA-based additional ad valorem duties were ordered to end. Agencies were directed to stop collecting those duties as soon as practicable.

However, the decision did not eliminate the broader tariff agenda. Other authorities remain available:

• Section 122 allows a temporary import surcharge to address serious balance-of-payments problems.
• Section 232 allows action on imports found to threaten national security.
• Section 301 allows action against unfair, unreasonable, discriminatory, or burdensome foreign trade practices.
• Antidumping and countervailing duty laws continue to apply independently.
• Normal customs duties under the HTSUS remain in effect.

Politically, Congress is also more active. Senate votes challenging tariff actions, USMCA review pressure, and stakeholder comments in Section 301 proceedings all show that tariff policy is no longer only an executive-branch issue.

For businesses, the practical result is a more fragmented tariff environment. One broad emergency tariff structure has ended, but multiple product-specific, country-specific, and sector-specific measures remain active.

Conclusion

The 2025–2026 U.S. tariff landscape has moved from broad IEEPA emergency tariffs toward a more complex mix of Section 122, Section 232, Section 301, de minimis enforcement, and trade-agreement negotiations.

• Operational: Importers must still manage duty exposure across metals, autos, trucks, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, timber, e-commerce parcels, port equipment, textiles, and forced-labor-linked supply chains.
• Legal: IEEPA no longer supports tariff duties, but Section 122, Section 232, Section 301, antidumping, countervailing duty, and ordinary customs authorities remain active.
• Political: USMCA review, China trade talks, Brazil Section 301 proceedings, forced-labor investigations, and congressional scrutiny could all change tariff exposure quickly.
• Logistics: Freight forwarders, customs brokers, retailers, manufacturers, and e-commerce sellers need stronger classification, origin documentation, landed-cost modeling, and contingency planning.

For supply-chain teams, the safest approach is no longer to monitor only headline tariff rates. Companies should track the legal authority behind each measure, whether the action is final or proposed, whether exclusions apply, and whether the tariff stacks with other duties. Tariff exposure in 2026 is now a compliance, sourcing, pricing, and logistics-planning issue at the same time.

References

• U.S. Supreme Court decision on IEEPA tariff authority
• White House order ending certain IEEPA-based tariff actions
• White House proclamation imposing temporary Section 122 import surcharge
• White House fact sheet on temporary import duty under Section 122
• USTR presidential tariff actions page
• USTR press release on U.S.–Ecuador Agreement on Reciprocal Trade
• U.S.–Ecuador Agreement on Reciprocal Trade text
• USTR initiation of 60 Section 301 forced-labor investigations
• USTR fact sheet on 60 Section 301 forced-labor investigations
• USTR Section 301 forced-labor investigation page
• USTR findings and proposed action in 60 Section 301 forced-labor investigations
• USTR Federal Register notice on forced-labor Section 301 proposed action
• USTR initiation of Section 301 investigations on structural excess capacity
• USTR public comment request on China balanced and reciprocal trade mechanism
• USTR Section 301 determination and proposed action on Brazil
• USTR Brazil Section 301 Federal Register notice
• USTR statement on USMCA joint review
• USTR USMCA overview
• White House order continuing suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment
• White House order suspending duty-free de minimis treatment for all countries
• CBP guidance on suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment
• CBP release on enforcement of end of de minimis treatment
• CBP e-commerce FAQ on low-value shipments
• White House proclamation on semiconductor and semiconductor manufacturing equipment imports
• White House fact sheet on advanced computing chip tariffs
• White House proclamation on processed critical minerals and derivative products
• White House fact sheet on processed critical minerals Section 232 action
• White House fact sheet on strengthening steel, aluminum, and copper tariffs
• White House fact sheet on June 2026 steel, aluminum, and copper tariff updates
• White House proclamation on pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients
• White House fact sheet on patented pharmaceutical product tariffs
• White House pharmaceutical tariff annexes
• White House proclamation on timber, lumber, and derivative products
• White House amendments to timber, lumber, and derivative product tariffs
• USTR suspension of Section 301 maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding action
• USTR Section 301 China maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding investigation page
• USTR modifications to Section 301 ships action and port equipment tariffs
• USTR extension of China Section 301 tariff exclusions
• USTR Federal Register notice extending exclusions to November 2026
• White House implementation of United States–Japan Agreement