Trump Has Begun Another Trade War. Here's A Timeline Of How We Got Here

Long-threatened tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump have plunged the country into a trade war abroad - all while on-again, off-again new levies continue to escalate uncertainty.

Since taking office less than two months ago, Trump has rolled out hefty import taxes on goods coming from America's three biggest trading partners - Mexico, Canada and China - and promises that more targets are on the horizon.

Trump is no stranger to tariffs. He also launched a trade war during his first term in office, but has more sweeping plans now. Economists stress there could greater consequences on businesses and economies worldwide this time - and that higher prices will likely leave consumers footing the bill .

There's also been a sense of whiplash from Trump's back-and-forth tariff threats and responding retaliation, including recently-postponed levies for some goods from Canada and Mexico that followed a 30-day pause for the auto industry . The uncertainty has roiled financial markets , lowered consumer confidence, and enveloped many businesses with questions that could delay hiring and investment.

Here's a timeline of how we got here: