U.S. Tariff Analysis Hub
Welcome to our Tariff Analysis Hub, where we provide comprehensive, data-driven analysis of U.S. tariff policies, their historical context, and their impact on global trade. Our goal is to help Canadians understand how these policies affect international commerce and the Canadian economy.
Historical U.S. Tariff Rates (1890-2025)
Historical Context
This chart shows the average tariff rate on all imports to the United States from 1890 to 2025. The 2025 spike to 14.5% represents the highest average U.S. tariff rate since the early 1930s, following the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, which is widely considered to have deepened the Great Depression.
The general trend over the 20th century was toward lower tariffs, especially after the establishment of GATT in 1947 and later the WTO in 1994. However, beginning in 2018, the first Trump administration initiated a reversal of this long-term trend, with a further dramatic increase in 2025.
Tariff Analysis
U.S. Tariff Policy Analysis
Comprehensive analysis of Trump administration tariff policies, including reciprocal tariffs, sector-specific tariffs, and recent updates on film tariffs and CUSMA-compliant auto parts exemptions.
View Full AnalysisU.S. Tariffs on China (2018-2025)
Interactive timeline tracking the evolution of U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports from the start of the trade war through recent escalations, with sector-specific breakdowns.
Explore TimelineCanada's Algoma Steel Under Pressure
Analysis showing how Trump's steel tariffs hammered Canadian steel producers, with Algoma Steel's share price plummeting 49% since November 2024.
View AnalysisWalmart, Tariffs, and Canadian Aluminum
Analysis of Trump's demand that Walmart “EAT THE TARIFFS” and how suppliers are dropping aluminum in response to 25% tariffs, with graph showing Canada is largest supplier of aluminum to the US.
Read AnalysisTimelines
Timeline: U.S. Annexation Threats
A chronological record of statements by U.S. President Donald Trump threatening or suggesting the annexation of Canada as the 51st state, often connected to tariff threats and economic pressure.
View TimelineTimeline: Trump Approval Rating
U.S. President Donald Trump's approval rating, annotated with key events, which returned to the same level on June 14, 2025 as it was on April 22, 2025.
View TimelineUnderstanding Tariff Analysis
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods and services, often used as tools of trade policy or to protect domestic industries. Our analysis examines:
- Economic Impact: How tariffs affect prices, supply chains, and overall trade flows
- Country Analysis: Specific effects on trade relationships between major economies
- Historical Context: How current policies compare to historical tariff regimes
- Canadian Perspective: Implications for Canadian businesses and consumers
We continuously update our analysis as policies evolve and new data becomes available.
Methodology and Sources
Our tariff analyses are based on official government data, policy announcements, and economic research. Key sources include:
- U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) notifications and factsheets
- White House policy announcements and executive orders
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) trade data
- World Trade Organization (WTO) reports and rulings
- Academic research on international trade and tariff impacts
- U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) historical tariff data
We strive to present data in its proper context while providing clear explanations of complex trade concepts.
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