U.S. customs duties have reached a record $150 billion in the first half of fiscal year 2025, driven by President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies. According to the Treasury Department, the spike in revenue is largely due to a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, along with higher rates on select goods and countries.
In July alone, the government collected $28 billion in tariffs, surpassing the previous record of $27 billion set in June. The tariffs are part of the administration’s strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing and address national security concerns. They were enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
The policy includes a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, 50% on copper and imports from Brazil, and targeted tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. A temporary pause on some tariffs, including those on Chinese goods, has been extended to August 1 to support ongoing trade talks.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. could collect up to $300 billion in tariff revenue by the end of 2025, amounting to nearly 1% of the country’s GDP.
Critics say the tariffs raise prices for American consumers, with estimates suggesting an average $1,300 increase in household costs this year. Retailers such as Walmart have warned of price hikes, though some businesses are absorbing costs to stay competitive.
Supporters argue the tariffs are helping bring jobs back to the U.S. and forcing fairer trade deals. Bessent claims the economic benefits will outweigh the short-term pain. However, the Penn Wharton Budget Model warns that the long-term effect could reduce GDP by as much as 8%, even as tariff revenue helps reduce the federal deficit.
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