Trump 2.0 Trade Policies: Deep Dive
Trade actions have been essential instruments in President Trump’s policy approach. A key aspect of his strategy has been leveraging tariffs as a negotiating tool. This analysis examines the anticipated trade statutes and policies that could shape a second Trump administration.
Additional Details on Major Trade Actions
On February 1, 2025, President Donald Trump issued executive orders imposing tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico in response to alleged illicit drug flows, organized crime, and illegal immigration. These tariffs take effect on February 4, 2025. The measures apply broadly across multiple industries, with potential further escalation if retaliatory actions occur.
Trump Imposes Sweeping Tariffs: 25% on Canada and Mexico, 10% on Canadian Energy
February 1st, 2025, President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, with an additional 10% tariff on imports from China. He specified that shipments of Canadian oil to the United States would be 10%
Thanksgiving Worries Amid Trump's New Proposed Trade Policies
As Americans sat down for Thanksgiving this year, many enjoyed a financial reprieve with holiday meal costs at their lowest in years. Yet, the looming policy shifts under the incoming Trump administration cast a shadow over these celebrations.
Countdown to Coast-Wide Port Strikes
With the looming threat of a coast-wide strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the resilience and dedication of port workers are more crucial than ever.
ITC Removes Duties on Tin Mill Steel
In a unanimous vote on February 6, the International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled there will no longer be duties on tin mill steel from Canada, China, and Germany.
Section 301 Tariff Exclusions Extended
On December 26, 2023, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) announced that it will further extend 352 reinstated exclusions and 77 COVID-related exclusions to duties imposed on goods from China pursuant to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 until May 31, 2024. A docket for public comments on existing exclusions will open on January 22, 2024 and close on February 21, 2024, giving American businesses just one month to restate their case.
Another Section 301 Extension on the Horizon
The Biden Administration intends for the Section 301 product exclusions to continue in tandem with the review period, so they anticipate another extension to be issued before the December 31st deadline.
Thanksgiving Reflections on the American Food and Agriculture Industry
The Thanksgiving season is the perfect time to reflect on food production and security in the United States and to give thanks to the agriculture laborers who work so hard every day to make sure all forms of safe, nutritious food are available to all Americans. In that spirit, let’s reflect on the critical issues that have faced the agriculture industry this year.
A Case for Granting a Tin Plate Steel Exclusion from Section 232 Tariffs in the 2023 Farm Bill
Tin plate is a crucial material used for the production of cans for food products, such as containers for fruits and vegetables. When 40% of the overall cost of a can of fruit or vegetable is the steel can itself, tariffs on tin plate steel lead to increased prices for consumers and a rise in foreign finished food product imports into the United States.
Commerce Department Sets Tin Mill Tariffs for Food Cans
On August 17, the Department of Commerce announced its preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations of tin mill products from Canada, the People’s Republic of China (China), Germany, the Republic of Korea (Korea), The Netherlands, Taiwan, the Republic of Turkey (Turkey), and the United Kingdom.
UPS Workers Vote to Strike - What that Means to Americans
UPS and the Teamsters Union walked away from the negotiating table this week inching closer to a possible strike. The last time UPS Teamsters went on strike was in 1997 and that 15-day strike was devastating for the company and created significant disruptions across the country. A strike now at UPS is even more of a threat to American supply chains and our economy.
USTR Extends COVID-Related Section 301 Product Exclusions
On May 17, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) once again extended the Section 301 tariff exclusions of certain medical-care products needed to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Click to learn more.
Farm Bill Presents Opportunity to Address Nation's Food Security; Protect American Growers and Consumers
With the United States set to become a net food importer in 2023, there has never been a more important time to address several core reasons for this increasingly dangerous dependence on foreign markets. Constitution Partners dives into several policy proposals that will protect the growers and packers of America’s fruits and vegetables.
Farm Bill Discussion Needs to Focus on Food Security as Foreign Competition Takes US Markets
With the next Farm Bill under discussion, it is time for the U.S. Congress to take account of how its special set asides in feeding programs have hurt U.S. farmers to the benefit of foreign farmers and importers. Also, Congress should use its oversight authority to shine a light on how President Biden’s continuation of the tin plate tariffs are undermining his efforts to advance the interests of American workers.
ITC Report Finds U.S. Importers - Not China - Paid Trump Administration Tariffs
International Trade Commission finds U.S. importers bore nearly the full costs of 232/301 tariffs.