Trump-era tariff surge reshapes global trade landscape

According to a New York Times analysis, nearly half of all goods imported into the U.S. are now subject to tariffs — a sharp rise driven by former President Donald Trump’s trade agenda. These measures, imposed under emergency powers, have reshaped global commerce and intensified debates over protectionism.

Source The New York Times

More than $300 billion worth of imported products are currently affected, with China facing the highest rates — over 40% of its exports to the U.S. now taxed. By contrast, imports from the EU and North America remain largely duty-free due to existing trade agreements, though some categories still face selective tariffs.

The findings highlight how the U.S. has shifted away from decades of free-trade policy toward a more controlled and politically driven model. As legal challenges reach the Supreme Court, the outcome could determine the future direction of American trade policy and its impact on global markets.