In 2018 , former President Donald Trump started multiple trade wars , including various battles with China and other American allies . For each battle , Trump used a particular US legal rationale , such as calling foreign imports a national security threat . He would then impose tariffs and / or quotas on imports . Now , President Joseph R . Biden Jr . must determine whether to keep US tariffs and other trade barriers in place or adjust policies . The timeline below tracks the most recent developments of the steel and aluminium trade war .

Trump Broadens Tariffs

To assist industries suffering from his previous tariffs , Trump imposes new tariffs on almost $ 450 million of steel and aluminium products . The tariffs mostly impact imports from allies such as the European Union , Taiwan , Japan , and China .

Canada Retaliate after Trump Reimposes Tariffs on Certain Canadian Aluminium

Trump announces the return of 10 % tariffs on primary aluminium products from Canada , effective August 16 , 2020 . The Canadian government plans dollar-for-dollar retaliation on US exports to Canada containing aluminium .

16 July 2021