On This Day
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US President Donald Trump announces "Liberation Day", unveiling wide-ranging tariffs on foreign countries importing into

US President Donald Trump announces "Liberation Day", unveiling wide-ranging tariffs on foreign countries importing into the US, including 34% on China and 20% for the European Union [1]

During his second term as President of the United States, Donald Trump enacted a series of steep tariffs affecting nearly all goods imported into the country. From January to April 2025, the overall average effective US tariff rate rose from 2.5% to an estimated 27%—the highest level in over a century. After changes and negotiations, the overall average effective tariff rate was 16.8% as of November 2025. US tariff revenue was $287 billion in 2025, a 192% increase from 2024.

Under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act, Trump raised steel, aluminum, and copper tariffs to 50%. He introduced a 25% tariff on imported cars from most countries and a 100% tariff on some pharmaceuticals.

Historical Significance

During his second term as President of the United States, Donald Trump enacted a series of steep tariffs affecting nearly all goods imported into the country.

Key People

Donald Trump

– present

Events Before

  1. A magnitude 7.6 earthquake strikes Japan's western coast, killing an estimated 120 people and injuring more than 100

    A magnitude 7.6 earthquake strikes Japan's western coast, killing an estimated 120 people and injuring more than 100

  2. English singer Elton John wins an Emmy Award for the television special "Elton John: Farewell From Dodger Stadium", comp

    English singer Elton John wins an Emmy Award for the television special "Elton John: Farewell From Dodger Stadium", completing his EGOT (winning all four major American entertainment awards)

  3. Denis Villeneuve's science fiction film epic "Dune: Part Two" premieres in Mexico City, starring Timothée Chalamet and a

    Denis Villeneuve's science fiction film epic "Dune: Part Two" premieres in Mexico City, starring Timothée Chalamet and an ensemble cast

  4. LeBron James becomes the first player in NBA history to score 40,000 regular-season points as his LA Lakers slip to a 12

    LeBron James becomes the first player in NBA history to score 40,000 regular-season points as his LA Lakers slip to a 124-114 defeat to Denver Nuggets in Los Angeles

  5. New rule limiting tailpipe pollution aimed at greatly expanding electric vehicles in the US is announced by President Jo

    New rule limiting tailpipe pollution aimed at greatly expanding electric vehicles in the US is announced by President Joe Biden [1]

Events After

  1. 9,500-year-old cremation pyre is discovered in Malawi, believed to be the oldest in the world containing adult remains [

    9,500-year-old cremation pyre is discovered in Malawi, believed to be the oldest in the world containing adult remains [1]

  2. Australian-American actress Nicole Kidman (58) divorces second husband, Australian country music singer-songwriter Keith

    Australian-American actress Nicole Kidman (58) divorces second husband, Australian country music singer-songwriter Keith Urban (58), after 19 years of marriage

  3. 18-year-old Luke Littler claims back-to-back titles with a commanding 7-1 win over Dutchman Gian van Veen in the World D

    18-year-old Luke Littler claims back-to-back titles with a commanding 7-1 win over Dutchman Gian van Veen in the World Darts Championship final in London

  4. Cleveland DE Myles Garrett sets new NFL sack record when he takes down Bengals QB Joe Burrow for his 23rd sack of the se

    Cleveland DE Myles Garrett sets new NFL sack record when he takes down Bengals QB Joe Burrow for his 23rd sack of the season during the Browns' 20-18 win in Cincinnati

  5. Board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, tasked with distributing government funding to public television and r

    Board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, tasked with distributing government funding to public television and radio broadcasters since 1967, votes to dissolve itself after Congress canceled previously approved funding

More from the 2020s

Pro-Iranian protesters end siege of US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq

Pro-Iranian protesters end siege of US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq

Scotland's Peter Wright beats Dutch defending champion Michael Van Gerwen 7-3 with a 102.79 average, 34 x 140s, 11 maxim

Scotland's Peter Wright beats Dutch defending champion Michael Van Gerwen 7-3 with a 102.79 average, 34 x 140s, 11 maximums, and 53% on doubles to seal his first PDC World Darts Championship in London

Cuba's "day zero" unifies its two currencies by withdrawing the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC), alongside steep increases

Cuba's "day zero" unifies its two currencies by withdrawing the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC), alongside steep increases in prices and salaries, effectively devaluing the remaining Cuban Peso for the first time since 1959 [1]

Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan becomes the first player in NBA history to hit buzzer-beaters on consecutive days; h

Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan becomes the first player in NBA history to hit buzzer-beaters on consecutive days; he hits 3-pointers to beat the Washington Wizards 120-119 and the previous night the Indiana Pacers 108-106

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on April 2, 2025?
During his second term as President of the United States, Donald Trump enacted a series of steep tariffs affecting nearly all goods imported into the country. From January to April 2025, the overall average effective US tariff rate rose from 2.5% to an estimated 27%—the highest level in over a century. After changes and negotiations, the overall average effective tariff rate was 16.8% as of November 2025.
Why is US President Donald Trump announces "Liberation Day", unveiling wide-ranging ... significant?
During his second term as President of the United States, Donald Trump enacted a series of steep tariffs affecting nearly all goods imported into the country.
Who was involved in US President Donald Trump announces "Liberation Day", unveiling wide-ranging ...?
Key figures include Donald Trump.

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April 2 in HistoryYear 2025