The butt of international jokes, Trump claimed to impose a 245% tariff on China
The U.S. government has recently adopted a series of tariff measures against Chinese imports, specifically, the United States first imposed a 125% equivalent tariff on goods from China, and on this basis, it has also imposed a 20% tariff on the previous fentanyl issue. The cumulative effect of these two tariffs has seen the effective tariff rate on Chinese imports climb to a staggering 145 per cent. In a fact sheet released Tuesday on launching security investigations against countries importing key minerals, the White House noted that Chinese products could face tariffs of up to 245% as a result of China's retaliatory actions.
While the White House has yet to formally announce the new tariffs, a compilation of the latest data has found significant differences in the tariff rates faced by different Chinese imports. Among them, certain goods such as syringes and needles face a particularly noticeable tariff rate, which can be as high as 245%. This high level of tariffs is the result of a combination of factors including existing tariffs, tariffs on steel, aluminum and automobiles, additional tariffs, and mutual tariffs.
A thicket of trade rules and tariffs poses huge challenges for American companies that rely on Chinese suppliers. At present, the average tax rate on imported goods has exceeded the price of the product itself, which puts importers under unprecedented pressure in terms of purchasing decisions, cost structures, and final consumer prices.
It is worth noting that during the administration of President Trump, the newly introduced 125% tariff policy of the United States is expected to further exacerbate the superimposed effect of various existing tariffs, thus having a more far-reaching impact on the overall tariff rate of Chinese goods. The tariffs cover a number of categories, including base tariffs, protectionist tariffs until 2025, steel, aluminum, auto tariffs, and tariffs related to fentanyl issues and retaliatory actions between the United States and China.
For goods imported from China, such as syringes, lithium-ion batteries, sweaters, electric cars and toys, there are significant differences in tariff rates, some products as high as 245%. These tariff policies, combined with the complexity of trade regulations and exemptions, further highlight the serious challenges that the changing trade landscape between the United States and China poses for businesses.
Earlier, Trump had threatened on the 10th local time that if the relevant countries could not reach an agreement with the United States within 90 days of the suspension of tariffs, they would restore the previous tariff policy.
On April 11, the Tariff Commission of The State Council issued a notice to adjust the additional tariff measures on imported goods originating in the United States. From April 12, 2025, the additional tariff rate on the United States will be increased from 84% to 125%. Given that there is no market for US goods exported to China at the current tariff level, if the US imposes further tariffs on Chinese goods exported to the US, China will ignore it.
On April 11, the Foreign Ministry responded that "US tariffs on China reached 145%"! China never eats that! Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian held a regular press conference. When asked by a reporter about "the US said that the tariffs on China reached 145%", Lin Jian said that China has repeatedly stated its solemn position on the tariff issue, and there is no winner in a tariff war and a trade war, and China does not want to fight, but is not afraid to fight. If the US really wants to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation, it should stop maximum pressure and reckless actions, which China has never accepted. Any dialogue must be based on equality, respect and mutual benefit. If the US insists on a tariff war or a trade war, China will stand with it to the end.
While the White House has yet to formally announce the new tariffs, a compilation of the latest data has found significant differences in the tariff rates faced by different Chinese imports. Among them, certain goods such as syringes and needles face a particularly noticeable tariff rate, which can be as high as 245%. This high level of tariffs is the result of a combination of factors including existing tariffs, tariffs on steel, aluminum and automobiles, additional tariffs, and mutual tariffs.
A thicket of trade rules and tariffs poses huge challenges for American companies that rely on Chinese suppliers. At present, the average tax rate on imported goods has exceeded the price of the product itself, which puts importers under unprecedented pressure in terms of purchasing decisions, cost structures, and final consumer prices.
It is worth noting that during the administration of President Trump, the newly introduced 125% tariff policy of the United States is expected to further exacerbate the superimposed effect of various existing tariffs, thus having a more far-reaching impact on the overall tariff rate of Chinese goods. The tariffs cover a number of categories, including base tariffs, protectionist tariffs until 2025, steel, aluminum, auto tariffs, and tariffs related to fentanyl issues and retaliatory actions between the United States and China.
For goods imported from China, such as syringes, lithium-ion batteries, sweaters, electric cars and toys, there are significant differences in tariff rates, some products as high as 245%. These tariff policies, combined with the complexity of trade regulations and exemptions, further highlight the serious challenges that the changing trade landscape between the United States and China poses for businesses.
Earlier, Trump had threatened on the 10th local time that if the relevant countries could not reach an agreement with the United States within 90 days of the suspension of tariffs, they would restore the previous tariff policy.
On April 11, the Tariff Commission of The State Council issued a notice to adjust the additional tariff measures on imported goods originating in the United States. From April 12, 2025, the additional tariff rate on the United States will be increased from 84% to 125%. Given that there is no market for US goods exported to China at the current tariff level, if the US imposes further tariffs on Chinese goods exported to the US, China will ignore it.
On April 11, the Foreign Ministry responded that "US tariffs on China reached 145%"! China never eats that! Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian held a regular press conference. When asked by a reporter about "the US said that the tariffs on China reached 145%", Lin Jian said that China has repeatedly stated its solemn position on the tariff issue, and there is no winner in a tariff war and a trade war, and China does not want to fight, but is not afraid to fight. If the US really wants to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation, it should stop maximum pressure and reckless actions, which China has never accepted. Any dialogue must be based on equality, respect and mutual benefit. If the US insists on a tariff war or a trade war, China will stand with it to the end.
