U.S. Tariff Rate Soars to Lifetime High 📈

Key Takeaways

• The U.S. average effective tariff rate on imports spiked to 14.5%—its highest level since 1938.
• In 2024, the average rate was 2.5%.
• As of April 9th, these newly imposed tariffs are projected to generate $206.6 billion in federal revenue and slash imports by 30% in 2025.

The Swinging Trade Pendulum

On almost a weekly—if not daily basis—American trade policy changes.

While Trump imposed heavy reciprocal tariffs on about 100 nations last week, he announced a 90-day pause on countries that didn't retaliate on April 9th.

Overall, the 10% blanket tariff on U.S. imports remains in place.

Meanwhile, tariffs on China jumped to 125% and China's levies on America now stand at 84% as the world's second-largest economy vows to "fight to the end".