#TrumpTariffs

As of December 17, 2025, the Trump administration’s sweeping tariff policies are at a critical turning point as they face a major legal challenge before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Status of Current Tariffs

Since January 2025, President Trump has implemented a wide array of duties that have collected over $200 billion in revenue this year.

Global Section 232 Tariffs: Imposed on steel (50%), aluminum (50%), and copper (50% on semi-finished products).

Automotive Tariffs: A 25% tariff on passenger vehicles, light trucks, and auto parts has been in effect since spring 2025.

Reciprocal & Global Baseline: A baseline 10% tariff applies to most imports, with "reciprocal" rates ranging up to 41% for specific countries like China, Canada, and Mexico (though USMCA exemptions exist for some goods).

Removal of De Minimis: As of August 29, the $800 threshold for duty-free low-value shipments was revoked, subjecting nearly all small parcels to entry fees.

Recent and Future Actions

December 17 Supreme Court Arguments: The Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments today regarding the legality of the president's use of emergency powers (under the IEEPA) to bypass Congress and impose these global tariffs.

Upcoming Increases (Jan 1, 2026): Tariffs on upholstered products and kitchen cabinets are scheduled to rise to 30% and 50%, respectively, on New Year's Day.

New Retaliatory Tariffs: Recent reports indicate the administration suspended a tech deal with the UK and is threatening new measures against the EU over digital services taxes.

Economic Impact & Proposals

Job Market & Inflation: Unemployment has risen from 4% in January to 4.6% as of December, with core PCE inflation re-accelerating to 2.8%.

Household Costs: Estimates suggest the tariffs have cost the average U.S. household between $1,100 and $1,200 in 2025.

Tariff Dividend: To counter unpopularity, President Trump has proposed a $2,000 "tariff dividend" rebate check for American families, funded by the collected revenue.