Trump's trade war: Tariff deadlines and key upcoming events

The uncertainty US President Donald Trump's tariff strategy injected into global financial markets has been exacerbated by his push for bilateral trade agreements as well as legal challenges to the levies.

Trump's order on "reciprocal" tariffs for exports from 69 trading partners listing higher import duty rates of 10% to 41% kicked in on August 7, raising the average U.S. import duty to its highest in a century.

In the latest development, Trump said he expects to "come away with a deal" with China when he meets Chinese President Xi Jinping for talks in South Korea on Thursday.


US officials said negotiators from both countries finalised a framework on October 26 for a potential agreement aimed at halting steeper American tariffs and Chinese rare earths export controls.

Here is a timeline of upcoming dates and events that could have a bearing on US tariff policy.

October 30

Trump and Xi are to meet in South Korea, with expectations building that the discussions could pave the way for a potential trade deal.

November 1

A 25% tariff on all imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks will take effect.

Additional 100% tariffs on China's U.S.-bound exports will go into force, with new export controls on critical software, if the two countries do not reach a deal.

January 1, 2026

Previously levied 25% duties will rise further - to 30% for upholstered furniture and 50% for cabinets and vanities from countries without trade agreements.