Donald Trump: America’s “Tariff Tsar” Strikes Again

by Ashis Sinha

The Tariff President
Donald Trump’s presidency and post-presidency actions have been defined by an aggressive and unprecedented use of tariffs. From trade wars with China to striking at India, Canada, France, and now pharmaceuticals and Hollywood movies, Trump has consistently wielded tariffs as a tool for economic, political, and strategic leverage. Allies and rivals alike have felt the sting, cementing his reputation as the ultimate “Tariff Imposer.”

Trump’s Trade Wars: The Playbook of Pressure

Trump’s tariff strategy started in his first term (2017–2021) against China, and by 2025 had expanded to other major partners, using tariffs as a weapon for trade leverage, domestic politics, and strategic influence.

China: Multi-Round Economic Battles

Escalations under Trump:

• 2018–2020: U.S. imposed 10–25% tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese imports, aiming to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and pressure China on intellectual property and technology transfers.

• 2020 Phase One Deal: Some rollbacks occurred, but tariffs largely remained.

• 2025 Renewal: Duties on certain goods reached 50% and higher, with effective rates exceeding 100% in electronics.

China’s Response:
China retaliated with counter-tariffs on U.S. agriculture, cars, and technology, while diversifying its global trade partnerships to reduce reliance on the U.S.

India: Double Strike in 2025

India faced two primary reasons for the U.S. tariff assault:

1. Oil Purchases from Russia: India continued importing cheap oil from Russia, which the Trump administration viewed as contravening U.S. foreign policy goals.

2. Blocking U.S. Agricultural Exports: India restricted American farm products from easily entering its market, frustrating Washington’s trade ambitions.

Tariff Moves:

• Initial 25% Tariff: Applied to textiles, machinery, and other Indian exports.

• Additional 25% Penalty Tariff: Linked to energy imports, raising the total effective tariff to 50%.

India condemned the move as unfair, while the U.S. framed it as a combination of national security and trade leverage.

Canada: Strains on North American Trade

• February 2025: Trump imposed 25% tariffs on most Canadian imports, exempting some agricultural and energy products.

• USMCA Tensions: Although the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement was meant to protect Canada, Trump threatened further hikes to pressure Canada on trade issues.

Reason: U.S. sought more favorable terms in trade balances and to push Canadian industries to prioritize U.S. markets.

France & the EU: Luxury Goods Under Fire

• Trump threatened 50% tariffs on French wine, cheese, and luxury items.

• Negotiations capped most duties at 15%, but uncertainty hurt exporters.

Reason: Protect U.S. domestic industries while leveraging diplomatic influence over EU trade policies, including digital services taxes and luxury goods competitiveness.

Trump’s Tariff Pattern: Shock, Pressure, Repeat

Trump’s strategy is cyclical: impose tariffs, provoke backlash, negotiate partial rollbacks, then pivot to new targets. This “shock and leverage” approach defines his signature tariff diplomacy—part bargaining chip, part media spectacle.

2025 Shockwaves: Pharmaceuticals and Hollywood

Pharmaceuticals:

• September 25, 2025: Trump announced a 100% tariff on all branded and patented drugs, effective October 1.

• Exemptions: Generics are excluded; companies can avoid tariffs if investing in U.S. plants.

Impact: Global pharma giants scrambled to highlight U.S. expansion plans. Analysts warn of higher domestic drug prices and disrupted supply chains. Trump cited reducing U.S. dependence on foreign drugs and boosting domestic manufacturing as the key justification.

Hollywood Movies:

• September 29, 2025: Trump announced a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the U.S., accusing foreign countries of “stealing” the American movie industry.

• Impact: Studios dependent on foreign markets and co-productions face uncertainty. Legal authority for enforcement remains unclear, but the announcement signals a new front in Trump’s protectionist campaign.

The Tariff Legacy

From steel, aluminum, and textiles to French wines, Canadian goods, Chinese electronics, life-saving medicines, and Hollywood movies, Trump’s tariff hammer swings across industries and continents.

Critics see reckless protectionism; supporters hail bold economic nationalism. Regardless, history will remember Donald Trump as America’s Tariff Tsar—the leader who put a price tag on nearly everything foreign.