Did Biden have more tariffs than Trump?

Donald Trump made tariffs a centerpiece of his trade policy during his first term as president. He implemented several rounds of tariffs targeting steel, aluminum, washing machines, solar panels, and various goods from China. These actions affected more than $380 billion worth of trade and amounted to a tax increase of nearly $80 billion. The Trump administration's tariffs were generally in the 10% to 25% range and covered a broad spectrum of products.

Trump's first-term trade war with China resulted in tariffs on approximately $300 billion of Chinese goods. He used these tariffs as leverage in negotiations, hoping to pressure China into making concessions on trade practices. His approach was characterized by wide-ranging tariffs that targeted numerous countries, including allies like Canada, Europe, and others.

The Biden Administration's Approach​

When Joe Biden took office, many expected a dramatic shift in trade policy. However, the Biden administration maintained most of Trump's tariffs, particularly those on Chinese goods. After completing a multi-year review, Biden decided to keep Trump's tariffs in place and increased rates on approximately $15-18 billion worth of Chinese imports.

The key difference between the two administrations was in their targeting and rate levels. The Biden administration's tariffs were more narrowly focused but often at higher rates than Trump's. Biden targeted specific industries aligned with his economic priorities, such as clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing.

Tariff Rate Comparison​

The contrast in tariff rates between the two administrations is notable. Under Trump, most tariffs ranged from 10% to 25%. The Biden administration, however, raised certain tariffs significantly higher - semiconductors and solar cells faced a 50% levy, and tariffs on electric vehicles from China increased to 100%.

In 2024, Biden introduced a 100% tariff on electric vehicles from China, 25% on steel and aluminum, and 50% on semiconductor chips. These moves were targeted at specific industries rather than broadly applied across all imports.

Tariff Revenue and Economic Impact​

The economic impact of these tariffs has been significant under both administrations. As of late 2024, trade war tariffs had generated more than $264 billion in customs duties. About 34% ($89 billion) was collected during the Trump administration, while approximately 64% ($175 billion) was collected during the Biden administration.

This revenue difference doesn't necessarily mean Biden imposed more tariffs; rather, it reflects the duration of tariff policies and changes in trade patterns over time. The Biden administration's higher rates on specific goods also contributed to increased revenue despite affecting a smaller range of products.

Policy Goals and Strategies​

Both presidents used tariffs to support American jobs and industries, but with different strategic approaches. Trump frequently framed tariffs as a way to reduce trade deficits and force other countries to negotiate more favorable terms for the United States. His approach was often described as a blunt instrument aimed at bringing trading partners to the negotiating table.

Biden presented his tariff policy as more targeted and strategic, focusing on industries deemed critical for national security and future economic growth. His administration emphasized protecting specific sectors like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing rather than using tariffs primarily as negotiating leverage.

Recent Developments​

In the final years of the Biden administration, tariff policies evolved further. In September 2024, the Biden administration finalized tariff increases on certain Chinese products, particularly targeting industries aligned with Biden's economic policies aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing.

The main exceptions were increases in US tariffs on imports from China in September 2024 and January 2025, which raised the average US tariff on Chinese exports from 19.3% to 20.8%. The product coverage remained largely unchanged; the policy primarily involved increasing tariff rates on already-covered products.

The Return of Trump and New Tariff Policies​

With Trump's return to office in 2025, tariff policies have seen dramatic changes. Between January and April 2025, the average effective US tariff rate rose from 2.5% to an estimated 27% - the highest level in over a century. Trump escalated the trade war with China, raising baseline tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%.

Trump announced new "reciprocal" tariffs in April 2025, implementing a 10% baseline tax on imports from all countries, with higher rates for dozens of nations that run trade surpluses with the US. This included a 34% tax on imports from China, 20% on imports from the European Union, 25% on South Korea, 24% on Japan, and 32% on Taiwan.

Total Tariff Comparison​

To directly answer the question of which president had more tariffs, we need to consider several metrics:

1. Coverage - Trump's first-term tariffs affected around $380 billion of trade. Biden maintained most of these and added targeted increases on approximately $15-18 billion worth of goods. Trump's second term has dramatically expanded tariff coverage to nearly all imports.
2. Rates - Trump's first-term tariffs were mostly in the 10-25% range. Biden maintained these rates but increased specific tariffs to 50-100% for targeted industries. Trump's second-term tariffs have reached up to 145% for Chinese goods.
3. Revenue - During the timeframe comparing Trump's first term to Biden's term, more revenue was collected under Biden ($175 billion vs. $89 billion), but this reflects the continuation of policies over time rather than necessarily higher rates.

Conclusion​

Based on the available data, Biden did not implement more widespread tariffs than Trump's first term, but rather maintained most of Trump's tariffs while implementing higher rates on specific strategic industries. Biden's approach featured more targeted but higher tariffs compared to Trump's broader but generally lower rates during his first term.

In terms of revenue collection, more tariff revenue was collected during the Biden administration than during Trump's first term, but this was largely due to the continuation of Trump-era policies combined with targeted increases on specific goods.

Trump's second term has dramatically expanded tariff coverage and rates beyond what either his first term or the Biden administration implemented, making his current tariff policy the most extensive in recent American history.