Trump’s 2025 Trade War Timeline: Key Impacts for Investors and Businesses in China and Beyond
U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a series of tariffs amounting to billions of dollars on Chinese imports in an effort to reduce the trade deficit, revitalize American manufacturing, and disrupt the fentanyl trade. Below is a timeline of significant events in the U.S.-China trade conflict throughout the year, presented in reverse chronological order:
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November 5: Beijing announces it will suspend retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, including agricultural goods with duties up to 15%, starting November 10. However, China will maintain 10% tariffs countering Trump’s "Liberation Day" measures. U.S. soybean imports remain subject to a 13% tariff, though restrictions on some U.S. optical fiber imports will be eased, alongside relaxed measures on certain U.S. companies.
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October 30: Following talks in South Korea, the U.S. and China agree to a trade truce. Trump consents to reduce tariffs if China intensifies its crackdown on illicit fentanyl trade, resumes soybean purchases, and pauses export controls on rare earth elements. China confirms the U.S. will delay plans to bar Chinese firms from its technology sector for a year.
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October 25-26: Discussions in Malaysia result in a trade deal framework for leaders of both nations to finalize, following meetings between U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, and senior trade negotiator Li Chenggang.
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October 17: The U.S. State Department condemns Chinese sanctions against South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean as coercive actions that undermine U.S.-South Korea relations.
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October 15-16: U.S. trade officials criticize China’s expanded rare earth export controls, labeling them a threat to global supply chains. Bessent promises to enhance controls over strategic sectors to counter Chinese influence. Meanwhile, Apple CEO Tim Cook announces plans to increase investment in China.
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October 14: Both countries commence collection of additional port fees on each other’s vessels, but China exempts ships it built. China also sanctions five U.S.-linked Hanwha Ocean subsidiaries, citing security and sovereignty concerns.
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October 12-13: China dismisses new U.S. tariffs as hypocritical, though U.S. officials affirm plans for a Trump-Xi summit remain intact.
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October 10: Trump announces new 100% tariffs on Chinese imports and restricts exports of critical software starting November 1. He threatens export controls on Boeing parts in retaliation for China’s rare earth export limits. Despite skepticism, Trump does not cancel plans to meet Xi. China launches an antitrust probe into Qualcomm over its acquisition of Israeli chip designer Autotalks and imposes port fees on U.S-linked vessels starting October 14.
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October 9: China broadens rare earth export controls beginning November 8 to include additional medium-to-heavy elements and tightens scrutiny on semiconductor users, reinforcing its dominance in critical minerals. The U.S. plans to ban Chinese airlines from flying over Russia on American routes, citing unfair competition with U.S. carriers.
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October 1: Trump highlights soybeans as a key topic for his upcoming meeting with Xi, calling China’s reduced purchases a negotiation tactic.
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September 30: Trade Representative Greer describes current tariffs of about 55% on Chinese imports as a "good" status quo but advocates for freer trade.
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September 24: Treasury Secretary Bessent identifies chemicals and aircraft engines as critical U.S. leverage in negotiations.
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September 21: Visiting U.S. lawmakers urge Premier Li Qiang to increase U.S.-China engagement.
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September 19: Trump and Xi hold a phone call, reporting progress on a TikTok agreement and scheduling a face-to-face meeting to discuss trade, illicit drugs, and the Ukraine war. China welcomes commercial discussions on TikTok.
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September 17: China announces plans to review TikTok’s technology exports and intellectual property licensing.
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September 15: Both nations reach a framework agreement for TikTok’s transition to U.S.-controlled ownership. The U.S. commits not to impose new tariffs related to Russian oil imports unless Europe acts first.
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September 14: The fourth round of trade talks in Madrid, led by Bessent and China’s He Lifeng, addresses trade issues and the TikTok divestiture deadline.
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August 11: Both sides agree to extend the tariff truce for an additional 90 days.
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August 10: With the tariff truce nearing expiration, Trump calls on China to quadruple its U.S. soybean purchases.
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August 8: The U.S. resumes issuing Nvidia licenses to export advanced AI H20 chips to China amid rare earth negotiations.
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July 28-29: U.S. and Chinese officials declare their Stockholm talks constructive and agree to seek a tariff truce extension, though no major breakthroughs occur.
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June 27: Bessent reports that both parties have resolved rare earth mineral and magnet export issues for the U.S.
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June 9-12: A framework deal is reached during talks in London, with some Chinese rare earth magnet exporters starting to receive licenses. Trump states that the trade truce is on track.
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June 5: Presidents Xi and Trump hold a one-hour telephone conversation.
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May 31: Trump accuses China of violating a Geneva tariff rollback deal and hindering rare earth exports; China denies the accusation, calling U.S. measures discriminatory.
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May 28-29: The U.S. announces measures to aggressively revoke visas of Chinese students and restrict shipments to China by some companies.
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May 10-12: The first round of trade talks in Geneva results in a 90-day tariff pause, reducing U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% and Chinese tariffs to 10% from 125%. China also agrees to scrap non-tariff measures imposed since April 2.
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April 15: Nvidia reveals that U.S. authorities require export licenses for its H20 chip sales to China.
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April 11: China raises tariffs on U.S. imports to 125%, criticizes Trump’s tariff strategy, and signals it will ignore future U.S. tariff hikes.
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April 10: China threatens immediate restrictions on Hollywood film imports.
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April 9: China matches U.S. tariffs at 84% on imports and imposes controls on twelve U.S. companies, barring exports of dual-use items and labeling six firms as "unreliable entities." The U.S. increases tariffs on Chinese imports from 84% to 125%, and China advises its citizens to avoid U.S. travel.
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April 8: The U.S. raises tariffs on all Chinese imports to 84%, up from 34%.
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April 4: China sets retaliatory tariffs of 34% on all U.S. imports effective April 10, imposes export curbs on rare earths, and restricts about 30 U.S. defense-related bodies.
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April 2: Trump announces sweeping "Liberation Day" tariffs, instituting a baseline 10% duty on all imports and 34% on Chinese goods starting April 9. The U.S. ends duty-free access for low-value shipments from China and Hong Kong effective May 2.
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March 4: China retaliates with 10-15% tariffs on $21 billion of U.S. agricultural exports, along with export and investment restrictions on 25 U.S. firms and a ban on medical equipment maker Illumina.
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March 3: The U.S. doubles fentanyl-related tariffs on all Chinese imports to 20% from March 4.
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February 4: China imposes sanctions targeting U.S. businesses, including 15% tariffs on coal and LNG, 10% on crude oil and some autos, and curbs on five metals critical to defense and clean energy, effective February 10.
- February 1: Trump enacts a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, alongside 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, aimed at curbing fentanyl and illegal immigration.
This timeline underscores the ongoing complex and high-stakes trade conflict between the U.S. and China, encompassing tariffs, sanctions, technology controls, and strategic negotiations.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The escalating U.S.-China trade war, marked by aggressive tariffs and strategic export controls, signals heightened global supply chain disruptions and increased market volatility. For businesses in Oman, this presents both risks of supply constraints and opportunities to position as alternative trade partners or manufacturing hubs. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should monitor shifts in rare earths and technology sectors closely, leveraging Oman’s strategic geographic position to attract redirected trade flows and diversify economic partnerships.
