During his first term as President of the United States, Donald Trump enacted a series of tariffs involving protectionist trade initiatives against other countries, most notably China. It involved tariffs on foreign imports imposed by Trump. Since long before he became president in 2017, Trump had promoted tariffs on imports to retaliate against countries he believes are "ripping-off" the United States. Trump has insisted that foreign nations pay the tariffs he imposes; however, several economists say the reality is that American importers pay them.
In January 2018, Trump imposed tariffs on solar panels and washing machines of 30–50%.