US imposes 245% retaliatory tariffs on Chinese goods as trade war intensifies
PTC Web Desk: The United States has imposed sweeping new tariffs of up to 245% on imports from China, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. The announcement was made in a fact sheet released late Tuesday by the White House, emphasising the measure as a key component of President Donald Trump’s intensified “America First Trade Policy.”
The new tariff hike is a direct response to recent export restrictions imposed by Beijing, which included curbing the supply of critical materials used in high-tech and defense industries. According to the White House, China has deliberately restricted exports of strategic resources such as gallium, germanium, and antimony—materials essential for manufacturing in sectors like military, aerospace, and semiconductors.
“Just a few months ago, China banned exports of gallium, germanium, and antimony to the United States,” the White House stated. “This week, it expanded those restrictions to include six heavy rare earth elements and rare earth magnets, with the aim of choking off supply chains vital to the global economy and national security.”
In retaliation to previous US tariff hikes, China last Friday raised its own tariffs on American products to 125%. This came shortly after the US increased its duties on Chinese goods to 145%, while temporarily halting new tariffs on imports from other nations for a 90-day negotiation window.
Despite the breadth of the new policy, the administration noted that the up-to-245% tariff applies exclusively to China, as trade talks with other countries continue. “Over 75 countries are currently engaged in trade negotiations with the US,” said the White House. “Tariff increases have been paused for these nations, unlike China, which has chosen to retaliate rather than cooperate.”
The administration also disclosed the launch of a national security investigation into the import of strategic resources, underscoring growing concerns about America's dependence on foreign-controlled critical materials necessary for cutting-edge technologies and defense readiness.
President Trump, who has prioritised trade reform throughout his second term, positioned the move as vital for safeguarding American industries and ensuring resilient supply chains.
“From Day One, President Trump has pursued bold actions through his America First Trade Policy to protect U.S. jobs and industrial power,” the statement declared.
While a detailed list of the goods impacted by the new tariffs has yet to be released, analysts anticipate a broad effect on both consumer products and industrial inputs, which could result in significant global trade ripple effects.
- PTC NEWS
