Donald Trump hikes China tariffs to 145 % as trade war escalates
PTC News Desk: US President Donald Trump has sharply increased the import duty on marking the total levy on China to 145 %, the White House confirmed on Thursday.
The move comes at a time when Trump has announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for dozen countries while starkly excluding the defiant China. This figure builds on a 20% duty introduced earlier this year, citing China's alleged involvement in the fentanyl supply chain. The total tariffs Trump has imposed on Chinese products this year now stand at 145%, adding to existing levies from past administrations.
Meanwhile Trump has defended his tariff policies which has rattled the global markets asserting that 'America is in 'very good shape'. W e are very happy with the way country is running. We are trying to get the world to treat us fairly.'
"Do not retaliate, and you will be rewarded," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said following the announcement, describing the move as a calculated play to isolate China while encouraging global cooperation.
The U.S. Commerce Department reported that in 2024, China exported $463 billion worth of goods and services to the United States, placing it behind Mexico and Canada in trade volume. At the same time, U.S. exports to China hit a record high of $199 billion.
Key American exports to China last year included soybeans, aircraft, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors. In contrast, major imports from China consisted of mobile phones, computers, toys, and clothing. While China was the top source of U.S. imports as recently as 2022, growing trade tensions and tariffs have redirected much of that trade toward neighboring countries.
- PTC NEWS
