A New York Times analysis of Census Bureau trade data shows that just under half of all goods that enter the United States are now subject to tariffs, marking a significant shift in the U.S. economy.
The challenge to the legality of the bulk of the new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, which the U.S. Supreme Court began hearing November 5, would potentially affect around 29% of tariffs on imports (rather than industry-specific and pre-existing tariffs), the Times said in a report November 6.
Read More: Key Takeaways From the U.S. Supreme Court Hearing on Trump Tariffs
At present, more than 90% of imports are subject to some aspect of Trump’s trade policy — a tariff he announced this year or during his first term, or a sweeping exemption granted to some products, at least temporarily. Industry-specific duties on steel, automobiles, lumber and other products — implemented via a national security provision known as Section 232 — as well as levies issued under separate legal authorities, some of which stem from Trump’s first term, are not being challenged at the Supreme Court.
The Times data shows that most imports from the United States’ two closest trading partners continue to qualify for the U.S.M.C.A. trade deal, entering duty-free. In fact, the share of goods entering the U.S. from Canada duty-free has increased since Trump took office, despite an intense trade clash between the countries. That’s mainly because U.S. imports from Canada have dropped and what is entering is much more likely to be covered by U.S.M.C.A. tariff exemptions.