United States Imposes Maximum 245% Tariff on Chinese Imports – White House

United States Imposes Maximum 245% Tariff on Chinese Imports – White House

Washington:
Some Chinese imports are now subject to a maximum tariff of 245%, a White House official confirmed on Wednesday.

A fact sheet published on the White House website on Tuesday stated that Chinese goods are currently facing tariffs of up to 245%—significantly higher than the previously reported maximum of 145%. This figure includes a 125% retaliatory tariff imposed by the Trump administration earlier this month, along with an additional 20% tariff related to fentanyl.

The official stated that some goods are subject to additional duties under Section 301 tariffs, which are intended to counter unfair and illegal trade practices. These duties range from 7.5% to 100%, meaning that certain Chinese products are now being hit with a total tariff of up to 245%.

A White House official explained, “Products like electric vehicles and syringes fall under Section 301, which carries a 100% tariff. When you add the 20% fentanyl-related tariff and the 125% retaliatory tariff, the total tariff on these items reaches around 245%.”

In a statement on Tuesday, former President Donald Trump said that the responsibility to move forward with trade negotiations lies with China, not the United States. As the world’s top two economies engage in a growing trade war, Trump stated, “The ball is in China’s court. China needs to make a deal with us. We don’t have to make a deal with them.”

He further added, “There’s really no difference between China and any other country—except that they’re much bigger and they want what we have.”

Additionally, on Wednesday morning, Trump announced that a delegation from Japan is coming to the White House to discuss tariffs, military support, and what he referred to as "trade fairness."

Posting on social media, he wrote, “I will personally attend the meeting, along with the Treasury and Commerce Secretaries. Hopefully something can be worked out that is good (GREAT!) for both Japan and the USA!”