The United States
collected more than $87 billion in tariff revenue during the first six months of 2025—surpassing the $79 billion gathered in all of 2024, according to U.S. Treasury data compiled by AFP.
The surge comes as President Donald Trump continues to overhaul America’s trade policies. Since returning to the White House, Trump has scrapped decades of post-WWII economic policy that favoured free trade, opting instead to impose tariffs on a wide range of trading partners and products, including steel.
While the U.S. has reached new trade agreements with several countries, the finalized tariffs are generally lower than the steepest rates Trump had initially threatened, though still significantly higher than previous norms.
June alone saw $26.6 billion in tariff revenue—nearly four times the amount collected in January—contributing to what is shaping up to be one of the most profitable years for U.S. tariff enforcement. The highest-ever annual revenue from tariffs was recorded in 2022 at $98 billion.
Trump hailed the impact of his trade strategy on Thursday, claiming that the sweeping tariffs are making the country “great & rich again.” He posted on his Truth Social platform:
“ONE YEAR AGO, AMERICA WAS A DEAD COUNTRY, NOW IT IS THE ‘HOTTEST’ COUNTRY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.”
New trade deals and tariff hikes—including a 50% levy on copper imports—are set to take effect on August 1. Around 80 countries, including the 27 EU member states, will face new tariff rates ranging from 11% to 50%.
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