According to media reports, on April 10, the White House clarified that all Chinese goods exported to the United States are now subject to a minimum cumulative tariff rate of 145%.
A day earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump had announced that he would raise the reciprocal tariff on Chinese goods to 125%, in response to China's countermeasures against his previous tariff actions. The White House explained that this 125% tariff is in addition to the existing 20% tariff imposed by Trump on Chinese products over the fentanyl issue-bringing the total effective tariff rate to 145%.
Trump also recently announced a 90-day suspension of his plan to impose reciprocal tariffs on 75 countries, citing those nations' willingness to engage in trade talks and their refraining from retaliatory actions. However, he warned that if agreements are not reached with many of the U.S.'s trading partners during the suspension period, the higher tariffs will be reinstated.
In contrast, the United States has further increased tariffs specifically on Chinese goods. Yet, during a cabinet meeting on April 10, Trump expressed his willingness to reach a deal with China.
"If we can't reach the deal we want to reach, or a deal we must reach, or a deal that benefits both sides, then we'll go back to where we were," Trump said. He declined to comment on whether the suspension period would be extended under such circumstances, stating, "We'll see what happens when the time comes."
Trump also acknowledged that his tariff measures may lead to "transitional costs and temporary issues," but insisted that these policies are helping the U.S. earn "billions of dollars a day."
Last week, President Trump referred to the day he announced the new tariff policy as "Liberation Day," but the market volatility triggered by the move persisted through April 10. While U.S. stocks had posted historic gains on April 9, major benchmark indices gave back most of those gains the following day.
In response to Trump's latest tariff escalation, Chinese authorities emphasized that there are no winners in a tariff war or trade war. China does not want a trade war but is not afraid to fight one. Chinese officials reaffirmed that they will continue to take firm and forceful measures to resolutely safeguard the country's legitimate rights and interests.
As a countermeasure, Chinese authorities issued a statement on April 9, announcing that from 12:01 a.m. on April 10, 2025, an additional 84% tariff would be imposed on all imports originating from the United States, on top of existing applicable tariff rates.
