The United States has raised its tariffs on Chinese goods to a staggering 145%, according to a report from CNBC, marking the most aggressive trade escalation yet under President Donald Trump’s second-term trade agenda.
The hike follows jump from 104% to 125% and now further intensifies pressure on Beijing, which has already responded with an 84% retaliatory tariff on U.S. exports.
The administration says the move is aimed at rebalancing what it views as decades of unfair trade practices by China.
President Trump on Wednesday defended the tariffs, stating on Truth Social that "the era of China enjoying U.S. market access with no consequence is over." The White House has emphasized that the tariffs are part of a broader push to onshore manufacturing, protect national security, and force more favorable trade terms.
The steep 145% rate effectively shuts down many categories of Chinese imports and is expected to send ripple effects through global supply chains. However, Trump recently offered a 90-day moratorium on new tariffs for countries that have not retaliated, signaling a more strategic approach with U.S. allies.
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