A timeline analysis of key US-China trade war policies from Trump’s second term to June 9, 2025, exploring tariffs, strategic responses, and supply chain implications from both sides.
Introduction
The US China trade war is more than just a political or economic conflict—it has become a long-term factor reshaping global manufacturing, technology access, and trade policy. This article presents a neutral overview of the major trade policy milestones from Donald Trump’s re-election through June 9, 2025. It outlines the responses from both Washington and Beijing, and analyzes the impact of US China trade war on supply chains as tensions shift from tariffs to high-tech export controls.
1. February–March 2025: Trump’s Second Term Begins
Feb 1, 2025: President Trump signed a new executive order imposing a 10% tariff on a broad range of Chinese imports, citing national security concerns.
China’s response: On Feb 10, China imposed retaliatory tariffs of 15% on LNG and coal, and 10% on U.S. agricultural machinery. It also filed a complaint at the WTO.
March 3, 2025: The U.S. increased the tariff rate to 20%, extending duties to sectors such as steel, aluminum, and auto parts.
China countered: On March 10, China raised tariffs on American poultry and grains by 10–15%.
2. “Liberation Day” Tariffs – April 2 Onward
April 2, 2025: Trump signed Executive Order 14257, dubbed the “Liberation Day” tariff policy, imposing a blanket 10% baseline tariff on nearly all countries, including China, with an additional “reciprocity fee.”
April 9: The tariff rate on Chinese goods was raised further, triggering volatility in global markets.
China’s countermeasures: Starting April 10, China increased tariffs on most U.S. goods to as high as 125% and announced restrictions on exports of critical materials, including rare earths.
3. Tensions Peak and Tentative Truce – Mid-April to Mid-May
By mid-April, the U.S. cumulative tariff rate on Chinese goods reached 145%, while China’s stood at 125%.
April 11: China implemented rare earth export restrictions; the U.S. accused China of breaching bilateral accords.
May 12: After talks in Geneva, a preliminary truce was reached. The U.S. agreed to roll tariffs back to 30%, and China lowered its retaliatory rates to around 10%.
Market optimism followed, with temporary recovery in Asian and European equities.
4. Latest Developments as of June 9, 2025
June 9: U.S. and Chinese negotiators are meeting in London for a proposed 90-day de-escalation deal, focusing on semiconductors, rare earths, and visa policies.
China’s export outlook: Chinese exports to the U.S. are down 35% year-over-year, but manufacturers have begun shifting to Southeast Asia and Europe to diversify risk.
New flashpoints: AI chips, student visas, and advanced materials remain sensitive topics as negotiations continue.
A Neutral Perspective on Policies and Reactions
U.S. Policy Trajectory
The Trump administration has continued to leverage tariffs as a pressure tool, aiming to onshore manufacturing and restrict tech transfer.
Export control policies have intensified, especially in semiconductors and AI-related tech, framed as national security measures.
China’s Counterstrategy
China responded with proportional tariffs and trade complaints but shifted focus toward internal resilience.
This includes increased domestic chip R&D, green tech investment, and expanding non-U.S. trade routes.
Impact of US China Trade War on Supply Chains
Tariffs raised production costs and pushed global companies to diversify supply chains away from China.
China’s export profile has changed, with greater integration into Southeast Asia and stronger ties with European markets.
Tech decoupling remains a long-term risk for both countries, particularly in critical sectors like semiconductors and rare earths.
Conclusion
From Trump’s February tariff reboot to June’s ongoing negotiations in London, the US China trade war continues to shape the economic dialogue between two global superpowers. While both sides have held firm on core interests, the conflict’s evolution—from tariffs to tech control—marks a shift toward deeper structural competition.
For global businesses, the impact of US China trade war on supply chains has been profound:
Diversification has become a survival strategy.
Manufacturing hubs are shifting toward Southeast Asia and India.
Market volatility remains high as geopolitical trade friction shows no clear resolution.
Whether these policies pave the way for eventual stabilization or new divides remains to be seen—but the next 90 days of talks could define a turning point.
Source of information:
Reuters – Markets pin hopes on London talks
AP – New disputes ahead of U.S.-China talks
Wall Street Journal – China’s exports suffer biggest drop since 2020
