Trump’s Trade War Timeline: An Up-to-Date Guide

This post, originally published on April 19, 2018, will be updated as trade disputes with China and other countries evolve.

President Donald Trump’s trade war with the world involves multiple battles with US allies and others alike. Each battle uses a particular US legal rationale, such as calling foreign imports a “national security threat,” followed by Trump imposing tariffs and/or quotas on imports. Subsequent retaliation by trading partners and the prospect of further escalation risk significantly hampering trade and investment, and possibly the global economy.

The timelines below track the development of the most pressing trade conflicts with links to the latest available data and PIIE analysis.

BATTLE #1: SOLAR PANEL AND WASHING MACHINE IMPORTS INJURE US INDUSTRIES

BATTLE #2: STEEL AND ALUMINUM AS NATIONAL SECURITY THREATS

BATTLE #3: UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES FOR TECHNOLOGY, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP)

BATTLE #4: AUTOS AS NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT

Battle #5: Illegal Immigration from Mexico

BATTLE #6: SAFEGUARDING US SEMICONDUCTOR SUPREMACY