U.S. Tariffs on China (2018-2025)
Interactive Chart: Click on any point in the chart to see details about tariff changes on that date. The chart shows how U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods have evolved from the beginning of the trade war in 2018 through the dramatic increases in early 2025.
Overview
This interactive chart tracks the evolution of U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports from January 2018 through April 2025, covering the entire period of the U.S.-China trade war across both the Trump and Biden administrations, and into Trump's second term. The chart highlights both the weighted average tariff rate and sector-specific tariffs that affect different categories of Chinese exports.
Tariff Rate Evolution
As shown in the chart, U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods began increasing significantly in 2018 with the start of the trade war under the first Trump administration. After a period of relative stability during the Biden administration, tariffs increased dramatically in 2025 after Trump returned to office, culminating in the April 2025 “Liberation Day” tariff escalation and subsequent clarifications.
The April 17, 2025 White House fact sheet clarified that some Chinese goods face “up to 245%” tariffs, specifically electric vehicles and syringes/needles. However, these products represent only about 0.21% of China's total exports to the United States. Most Chinese exports (64.79%) face a 145% tariff rate, while electronics (35% of exports) face only a 20% tariff rate.
Key Tariff Events Timeline
Weighted Avg: 2.0%
Pre-trade war average tariff rate
Electronics: 0.0% | Other Goods: 3.1% | EVs & Syringes: 0.0%
Weighted Avg: 2.1%
Trump announces 20-50% tariffs on solar panels and washing machines
Electronics: 0.0% | Other Goods: 3.2% | EVs & Syringes: 0.0%
Weighted Avg: 2.5%
Trump directs USTR to apply tariffs on $50-60 billion of Chinese goods
Electronics: 0.0% | Other Goods: 3.8% | EVs & Syringes: 0.0%
Weighted Avg: 5.3%
First round of Section 301 tariffs: 25% tariffs on $34 billion of Chinese goods
Electronics: 3.0% | Other Goods: 6.5% | EVs & Syringes: 0.0%
Weighted Avg: 6.7%
Second round of Section 301 tariffs: 25% tariffs on $16 billion of Chinese goods
Electronics: 3.5% | Other Goods: 8.5% | EVs & Syringes: 0.0%
Weighted Avg: 11.4%
Third round of Section 301 tariffs: 10% tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods
Electronics: 7.5% | Other Goods: 13.5% | EVs & Syringes: 0.0%
Weighted Avg: 17.5%
Tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods increased from 10% to 25%
Electronics: 11.0% | Other Goods: 21.0% | EVs & Syringes: 0.0%
Weighted Avg: 20.5%
New 15% tariffs on about $112 billion of Chinese consumer goods
Electronics: 15.0% | Other Goods: 23.5% | EVs & Syringes: 0.0%
Weighted Avg: 19.0%
Phase One trade deal takes effect, reducing some tariffs
Electronics: 14.5% | Other Goods: 21.5% | EVs & Syringes: 7.5%
Weighted Avg: 25.2%
Biden administration finalizes tariff increases: 100% on EVs, 50% on solar cells, 25% on EV batteries
Electronics: 18.5% | Other Goods: 28.5% | EVs & Syringes: 100.0%
Weighted Avg: 35.2%
Trump increases tariffs on China by 10%
Electronics: 28.5% | Other Goods: 38.5% | EVs & Syringes: 110.0%
Weighted Avg: 45.2%
Trump raises levies on Chinese goods by another 10%
Electronics: 38.5% | Other Goods: 48.5% | EVs & Syringes: 120.0%
Weighted Avg: 67.3%
"Liberation Day" speech: Trump raises tariffs by 34%
Electronics: 38.5% | Other Goods: 82.5% | EVs & Syringes: 154.0%
Weighted Avg: 101.5%
Trump increases tariffs to 125% (clarified later as 145% including previous tariffs)
Electronics: 20.0% | Other Goods: 145.0% | EVs & Syringes: 245.0%
Weighted Avg: 101.5%
US announces electronics from China will only face 20% tariff rate
Electronics: 20.0% | Other Goods: 145.0% | EVs & Syringes: 245.0%
Weighted Avg: 101.5%
White House fact sheet clarifies "up to 245%" tariffs apply to EVs and syringes/needles
Electronics: 20.0% | Other Goods: 145.0% | EVs & Syringes: 245.0%
Impact on U.S.-China Trade
The dramatic increase in tariffs, particularly in early 2025, has significantly altered the U.S.-China trade landscape. With weighted average tariff rates now exceeding 100%, many Chinese goods have become substantially more expensive for American consumers and businesses.
The decision to maintain lower tariffs (20%) on electronics reflects the continued U.S. dependence on Chinese manufacturing of smartphones, computers, and other consumer electronics. Meanwhile, the extreme 245% tariff rate on electric vehicles and medical supplies like syringes appears designed to completely block these specific products from the U.S. market, although they represent a very small portion of Chinese exports to the United States.
Methodology and Sources
The tariff data presented on this page is compiled from official U.S. government announcements, including White House fact sheets, U.S. Trade Representative notifications, and public statements from administration officials. The sector-specific breakdown is based on the April 17, 2025 White House fact sheet clarification on the “up to 245%” tariff structure that applies specifically to certain products.
The proportion of exports in each category (electronics: 35%, other goods: 64.79%, EVs and syringes: 0.21%) is based on 2024 export data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, with specific product export values for EVs ($385 million) and syringes/needles ($533 million) totaling approximately $918 million, or about 0.21% of China's total $439.75 billion in exports to the United States.
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