White House clarifies Trump tariffs on China will actually be 145% not 125% on some goods

President Trump may have hit the brakes on reciprocal tariffs levied against many of the US’ top trading partners, but the duties imposed on China will reach a staggering 145% on certain goods, a White House official confirmed to The PostTrump announced Wednesday that his tariff scheme would be put on pause for 90 days after a dozens of countries came forward looking to make a deal — lowering the baseline rate on most foreign imports to just 10% in the meantime.But the reprieve does not apply to China, which Trump slapped with an eye-popping 125% duty over what he called “a lack of respect” from Beijing.That combined with a 20% fentanyl tariff already in place means some imports will be subject to a total tariff of 145%, CNBC first reported.America buys more from China than any other country in the world, except Mexico — to the tune of nearly $440 billion in 2024.

All kinds of consumer goods come from China — including electronics like iPhone, toys, clothes and shoes.China retaliated by imposing its own 84% tariff rate on US goods, which took effect Thursday.The US exported more than $143 billion worth of goods to China in 2024, including products like soybeans, aircraft and aircraft parts, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and vehicles.Chinese exports rose a whopping 13% in 2023 and 17% in 2024.Exports make up about 20% of the country’s GDP.Meanwhile, American exports — which were higher than ever 10 years ago — are slumping.

Exports only account for 11% of the US GDP — down from 13.6% in 2012.US exports to China in particular fell almost 3% last year, to a total of $144 billion, according to the US Trade Representative’s Office.The trade deficit between the two countries has also widened, reaching $295 billion.Trump initiated the 90-day pause with trading partners besides China in part due to a sharp decline in US stock indices since the start of the trade war.“I thought people were jumping a little bit out of line, they were getting yipp...