There was a huge jump in US tariff collections in 2025, reflecting a major expansion in trade policy under President Trump. Data from the US Department of the Treasury analyzed by the Tax Foundation shows that total custom duties collected by December 2025 could reach **$264 billion**—more than three times the **$79 billion** collected over the same period in 2024. This represents a staggering increase of more than 230% year-on-year, or by some calculations about 234%, one of the fastest increases in US tariff revenue history.
There was a marginal increase in collections in 2024, with low effective rates and limited enforcement leading to a slow but steady increase. In contrast, monthly inflows accelerated sharply in 2025, averaging about $30 billion in the second half of the year, including peaks of $31 billion in October and November.
The main reasons for this increase include Trump’s imposition of higher tariff rates on a variety of goods, their extension to more imports, strict enforcement measures and continued demand for imports despite increased costs. Tariffs have transformed from a key trade negotiation tool to an important federal revenue source.
While these inflows strengthen government finances—potentially alleviating some fiscal pressures—the economic situation is complex. Tariffs act as import taxes, often passed on to US consumers and businesses through higher prices, which can lead to inflation and supply chain disruptions. Economists highlight a mixed outcome: short-term revenue growth amid risks of less trade, slower growth and global tensions.
This dramatic change—from $79 billion to $264 billion a year—suggests a structural shift in U.S. trade-related revenues. As the debate over future policy continues, the Tax Foundation’s data visualization underscores the new role of tariffs as a key fiscal instrument in the U.S. economy.
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