Tariffs and their impact on US imports
Analyze how tariffs affect US import patterns, volumes, and trade flows over time. Search for a product and see how tariff implementations correlate with import changes.
Enter a keyword and click Run query to see the annual chart.
Section 201: Solar panels & washing machines
The Section 201 safeguard tariffs that took effect on February 7, 2018 caused an immediate decline in U.S. imports of solar panels and large residential washing machines, particularly from China and South Korea, as prices rose sharply relative to world markets. Within months, import volumes partially recovered through trade diversion, with supply shifting toward tariff exempt or lower impact countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia rather than a sustained reduction in total imports. Overall, the tariffs changed the geography and cost structure of imports more than their absolute volume, increasing landed prices and reducing import efficiency rather than reshoring a majority of supply.