When US China Trade War Started
The US China trade war began in 2018 when the Trump administration imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, starting with steel and aluminum in March, then escalating to $370 billion in Chinese imports by September.
This marked the first major trade conflict between the world powers in decades.
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When the US China Trade War Started
Origins and Escalation
The administration cited intellectual property theft and unfair trade practices as justification. China responded with retaliatory tariffs on US agricultural and industrial products. By 2026, tariff disputes remain among the most tracked geopolitical signals globally, with 54 active signals monitored across trade policy channels.
Ongoing Impact
The conflict has evolved beyond bilateral tensions. Recent analysis shows diverging US China trade data pointing to tariff evasion, with goods rerouted through third countries to avoid duties. Trade disputes now extend to allied nations, with US Canada trade frictions affecting consumer prices, as reflected in voter attention to grocery bill impacts.