The United States has clarified that
the total tariff rate on most Chinese imports now stands at 145%, following
President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a new 125% levy on goods from
China. According to the White House, this latest figure includes an existing
20% tariff initially placed on Chinese imports in response to concerns over the
flow of fentanyl into the US.
President Trump addressed the
decision on his social media platform, describing the move as necessary due to
what he termed a lack of respect from China towards global trade norms. He
insisted that the time had come to correct what he described as an unbalanced
trading relationship. The president expressed optimism that China would
eventually recognize the need for fairness in trade, adding that more than 75
countries had already reached out to the US to engage in discussions under his
global “reciprocal tariffs” framework. Despite a temporary 90-day pause in the
broader tariff strategy, China remains excluded from this reprieve.
Beijing, however, has responded
firmly. The Chinese government has imposed its own 84% tariff on US goods and
has refrained from entering talks with Washington. Instead, China has turned
its attention to strengthening ties with Europe. Premier Li Qiang and European
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently held a phone discussion
aimed at reinforcing economic cooperation. Additionally, Chinese Commerce
Minister Wang Wentao held a video meeting with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš
Šefčović to address shared concerns over Washington’s tariff policies.
Other global players have responded
with mixed reactions. India has reportedly declined China’s proposal for
cooperation, while Russia has not been directly affected by the latest US
tariffs. Taiwan, a major supplier of semiconductors to the US, has also been
hit with a 32% levy and is preparing to enter discussions with American
officials to address the issue.
Speaking during a cabinet session,
President Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the tariff approach, insisting it
was the key to ushering in what he called “America’s golden age.” He maintained
that the country is in strong economic shape and that his administration is
working to ensure the United States receives fair treatment in global trade.
The developments have triggered volatility in global markets, with economic
analysts watching closely as tensions between the US and China continue to
unfold.
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