If you’ve been watching the news lately, you know the "tariff man" is back in full force. It’s not just campaign talk anymore; it’s actual policy moving through the system with the speed of a social media post. Honestly, trying to track when do trump's tariffs start can feel like trying to nail Jello to a wall. One day there’s a threat, the next there’s a 30-day delay, and then suddenly a new executive order drops because of a dispute over a territory most people couldn't find on a map.
We’ve officially entered the second year of these trade wars, and 2026 is looking even more chaotic than 2025. Between the "Greenland tariffs" and the ongoing "reciprocal" duties, the calendar is packed. If you're running a business or just wondering why your groceries are getting pricier, here is the breakdown of what is happening right now.
The Immediate 2026 Deadlines: The Greenland Conflict
Just yesterday, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the administration dropped a bombshell. President Trump announced a brand-new round of tariffs targeting eight European nations: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland.
Why? Because of a push to purchase Greenland. It sounds like a movie plot, but the trade implications are very real.
February 1, 2026: This is the big one. A 10% tariff is scheduled to take effect on all goods imported from these eight countries. This isn't limited to specific sectors; it’s a blanket "all articles" levy. If you’re importing British auto parts or French wine, this is your go-live date.
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June 1, 2026: If a deal for Greenland isn't reached, the administration plans to hike those same tariffs from 10% to 25%.
European leaders are already calling it a breaking point. Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen have both condemned the move. From a business perspective, the risk is that the EU might suspend the existing "0% tariff" deal on U.S. products in retaliation. Basically, we are looking at a potential "downward spiral" by early February.
What Happened to the 2025 Universal Tariffs?
To understand where we are, you’ve gotta look back at the mess that was 2025. The "universal" 10% tariff that everyone was terrified of actually took effect on April 5, 2025, after some initial delays.
But it wasn't a "one and done" deal. The administration has been using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to adjust these rates on the fly.
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- Canada and Mexico: After some high-drama negotiations in February 2025, tariffs were delayed but eventually settled at 25% for most goods. However, Canada got a bit of a break on "energy resources" (like crude oil and natural gas), which stayed at 10%.
- China: This is where it gets really complicated. A 10% "fentanyl-related" tariff started on February 4, 2025. By April 2025, that rate had ballooned to an effective 84% for many items before a "deal" in November 2025 brought it back down to roughly 32% for most goods.
The important date for 2026 regarding China is November 10, 2026. That is when the current suspension of "heightened reciprocal tariffs" is set to expire. Unless a new agreement is signed, we could see another massive spike late in the year.
Sector-Specific Starts and "De Minimis" Changes
It’s not just about countries; it’s about what you’re buying.
Semiconductors: On January 14, 2026, a new 25% Section 232 tariff was imposed on semiconductors. This one is tricky because it has exemptions for "domestic uses," but it’s already causing ripples in the tech sector.
The $800 Loophole: If you're used to buying cheap stuff from overseas sites without paying duties, that ended on August 29, 2025. The "de minimis" exemption was eliminated, meaning even a $20 T-shirt from overseas now faces the applicable tariff rate. This change is permanent and remains a major factor for e-commerce in 2026.
Steel and Aluminum: These were some of the first out of the gate. A 25% tariff started on March 12, 2025, and for many countries, it jumped to 50% on June 4, 2025. These remain in place for 2026, specifically affecting construction and manufacturing.
Can These Be Blocked? The Legal Wildcard
You sort of have to mention the Supreme Court here. There is a massive case currently being decided regarding the legality of using the IEEPA for sweeping tariffs. A ruling is expected in early 2026.
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If the Court rules against the White House, the administration might have to stop collecting these duties and even return billions in revenue. However, don't get your hopes too high for a total repeal. Economists like Nora Szentivanyi from J.P. Morgan suggest the administration would just pivot to "Section 122" or other legal pathways to keep a 15% baseline in place.
Basically, the tariffs are probably staying, one way or another.
Actionable Steps for Navigating 2026 Tariffs
Look, the "wait and see" approach isn't working anymore. If you're trying to figure out when do trump's tariffs start for your specific situation, you need to be proactive.
- Check your HTSUS codes: Most of these executive orders refer to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. If your goods fall under Chapter 99 (the "special" tariff chapter), you’re paying extra.
- Audit your EU suppliers before February 1: If you are sourcing from the UK, France, or Germany, you have less than two weeks before that 10% hit happens. Talk to your suppliers about "delivered duty paid" (DDP) terms or look into "privileged foreign status" if you operate in a Foreign Trade Zone.
- Watch the November 10 China deadline: If you rely on Chinese manufacturing, the late-year expiration of the current deal is your biggest risk. Front-loading shipments before October might be a smart move to avoid a potential jump back to 80%+.
- Recalculate your margins now: The Tax Policy Center estimates that 2026 tariffs will cost the average household an extra $2,100. For a business, those costs are often higher because they compound at every step of the supply chain.
The trade landscape in 2026 is moving faster than the 1930s ever did. Keep a close eye on the February 1st "Greenland" deadline—it’s the next major shift in a year that’s already proving to be a rollercoaster.