You’ve seen the headlines, and honestly, they're kind of a mess. One day it’s a Truth Social post about Greenland, the next it’s a technical update from the U.S. Trade Representative that reads like a car repair manual. If you're trying to figure out when do the new tariffs take effect, the short answer is: some are already hitting your wallet, and a massive new wave is scheduled for February 1, 2026.
But it isn't just one "start date." It’s a rolling series of deadlines that vary by country, product, and whether or not a specific world leader is currently annoyed with a trade partner.
The February 1 Deadline: The "Greenland" Tariffs
The biggest news right now involves a sudden escalation with Europe. On January 17, 2026, President Trump announced via social media that a 10% tariff would be slapped on goods from eight specific European nations.
If you are importing or buying products from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, or Finland, mark your calendar for February 1, 2026. That is the hard start date for the first 10% levy.
It doesn't stop there. If a deal isn't reached—specifically regarding the purchase of Greenland—that rate is scheduled to jump to 25% on June 1, 2026.
Why does this matter to you? Because these aren't just "industrial" taxes. We are talking about German cars, French wine, British machinery, and Dutch electronics. When these tariffs take effect in February, the price at the register usually follows within weeks.
What’s Already in Play: The 2025 Carryover
A lot of people think the "new" tariffs are the only ones to worry about. Actually, the effective tariff rate in the U.S. has already rocketed. According to the Penn Wharton Budget Model, the average effective rate jumped from roughly 2.2% at the start of 2025 to nearly 11% by late last year.
- China: You're already paying. Section 301 tariffs on Chinese semiconductors, maritime equipment, and batteries were finalized in December. While some specific items have "suspension" periods until late 2026, the bulk of Chinese imports are currently facing rates as high as 37.4%.
- Steel and Aluminum: These have been under a 25% (or higher) regime for months.
- The Iran "Shadow" Tariff: On January 12, 2026, the administration proposed a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran. While this hasn't been codified into the Harmonized Tariff Schedule yet, the threat alone is already causing shipping delays as companies scramble to prove their supply chains are "clean."
The Mexico and Canada Moving Targets
Mexico and Canada are in a weird spot. Theoretically, they are protected by the USMCA (the "new NAFTA"). But that agreement is up for a massive joint review on July 1, 2026.
Mexico recently tried to play ball by imposing its own 35% tariff on 1,400 products from China starting January 1, 2026. They did this to prove to Washington that they aren't a "back door" for Chinese goods. If the U.S. isn't satisfied with this effort, we could see additional "Reciprocal" tariffs on Mexican goods announced before the July review.
In Canada, the situation is even more tense. Prime Minister Mark Carney just signed a "strategic partnership" with China in mid-January 2026 to lower tariffs on EVs and canola. This move is almost certain to trigger a retaliatory response from Washington. If you're wondering when those new tariffs take effect, the answer is likely "the moment the U.S. Trade Representative finishes writing the Executive Order," which could happen any day now.
Specific Product Timelines to Watch
Not everything moves at once. Here is a breakdown of specific categories:
Kitchen Cabinets and Furniture
There was supposed to be a jump to 30% on January 1, 2026. However, a proclamation on New Year’s Eve delayed this. The current 25% rate will remain in place through the rest of 2026. This is a rare bit of "good" news for home renovators.
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Pharmaceuticals (The U.K. Exception)
As of early January 2026, the U.S. agreed to exempt U.K.-origin medicines and med-tech from certain Section 232 tariffs. If you rely on British-made specialized medication, your prices should stay stable for now.
Softwood Lumber
The 10% tariff on Canadian timber and the 25% tariff on upholstered wooden furniture that started in late 2025 are still active. There is no sign of these expiring.
The Supreme Court Wildcard
There is a massive legal case right now: Learning Resources Inc. et al. v. Trump.
The Supreme Court is deciding if the President has the authority to use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to bypass Congress for these tariffs. A ruling is expected in early 2026.
If the court rules against the administration, billions of dollars in tariffs might have to be refunded. However, don't get your hopes up too high. The administration has already signaled that if they lose on IEEPA, they will just move the same tariffs over to "Section 122" or "Section 301" authorities. It’s basically a game of legal musical chairs.
How This Actually Hits Your Life
Tariffs are basically a sales tax collected at the border. The foreign company doesn't "pay" it to the U.S. government—the American company importing the shoes, parts, or fruit pays it.
Most businesses absorbed these costs in 2025 to keep customers happy. But profit margins are thin. As we move into February and March 2026, many companies have stated they have no choice but to pass the full 10% or 25% cost onto the consumer.
Actionable Steps for 2026
If you're a business owner or a concerned shopper, "wait and see" is a bad strategy.
- Front-load European imports: If you buy parts or luxury goods from the UK, Germany, or France, get them through customs before the February 1 deadline. Once that clock hits midnight, the 10% is non-negotiable.
- Audit your "Country of Origin": Many products labeled "Made in Mexico" actually use Chinese sub-components. Under the new 2026 rules, if a certain percentage of the value comes from China, you might still get hit with the higher China rate.
- Watch the Federal Register: Truth Social posts are the "intent," but the Federal Register is the "law." If a tariff isn't published there with an HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code, CBP (Customs and Border Protection) technically can't collect it yet.
- Lock in contracts: If you're in construction or manufacturing, try to sign fixed-price contracts for materials like steel or lumber before the July USMCA review.
The trade landscape in 2026 is moving faster than most supply chains can handle. Knowing the dates—February 1 for Europe, June 1 for the escalation, and July 1 for the North American review—is the only way to keep your head above water.