Trump’s trade campaign accelerates revenue surge
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Tuesday that the country has already collected around $100 billion in tariff revenue so far this year, and that total could triple to $300 billion by the end of 2025. The surge follows President Donald Trump’s renewed trade offensive, which introduced sweeping tariff hikes in the second quarter.
Speaking at a White House cabinet meeting, Bessent said the new tariffs — including a blanket 10% duty on most imports and increased rates on steel, aluminum, and autos — only began to take effect recently. “So we could expect that that could be well over $300 billion by the end of the year,” he added.
Record-breaking customs collections
U.S. customs duties reached a record $22.8 billion in May, nearly four times higher than the $6.2 billion collected during the same month in 2024. For the fiscal year to date, customs collections have totaled $86.1 billion, while the calendar year figure stands at $63.4 billion through May. The Treasury’s daily statement indicates combined customs and excise tax collections topped $122 billion by June 30.
Bessent noted that the Congressional Budget Office estimates $2.8 trillion in tariff income over the next decade, though he suggested this projection is likely too conservative given current trends.
August 1 deadline for broader tariffs
President Trump has set August 1 as a key date for the implementation of new “reciprocal” tariffs across almost all U.S. trading partners. He said letters were sent to 14 nations outlining the new terms, with a short window for negotiations to lower or avoid the coming increases.
“The big money will start coming in on August 1,” Trump said at the cabinet meeting. His administration also confirmed a 50% tariff on copper imports, citing the metal’s importance to the housing market, power grid, vehicles, and defense sector. New tariffs are also being prepared for semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.
Economic implications and rising concerns
The sharp escalation in tariff collections signals a dramatic shift in U.S. trade policy. While the additional revenue may help close budget gaps, it also raises concerns about inflationary pressures and retaliatory trade actions. The muted market response so far suggests that investors are cautious but not yet alarmed.
Nonetheless, the aggressive stance and scale of new duties indicate a restructured global trade environment, with the U.S. leveraging tariffs not just for revenue, but as a strategic economic weapon.