U.S. President Donald Trump has significantly ramped up his trade war with China, raising tariffs on Chinese goods to a staggering 145%.
This latest move, which took effect on Thursday, follows a series of tariff escalations aimed at what Washington describes as unfair trade practices by Beijing.
Since returning to the Oval Office, Trump has been aggressively targeting imports, especially in industries like steel, aluminum, and autos. Earlier, he introduced a blanket 10% tariff on most trading partners.
However, he recently announced a 90-day pause on higher tariffs for dozens of countries, which began on Thursday and will last until July 9, according to a new White House directive.
Despite the temporary relief for some nations, Trump has tightened the noose on China. The newly imposed 125% tariff on Chinese imports comes on top of an earlier 20% duty linked to China’s alleged involvement in the fentanyl trade.
Combined, this brings the total tariff rate on many Chinese goods this year to 145%.
Notably, this massive hike doesn’t apply across the board. Key sectors like steel, aluminum, and autos — which already face 25% tariffs under different regulations — are excluded.
Other exemptions include copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber, and energy products. But insiders say Trump is considering future tariffs on those as well.
This layered and often complex tariff landscape adds more uncertainty to U.S.-China relations, especially as economic tensions escalate.
Small Packages, Big Changes
In another major change, Trump’s administration has removed the duty-free status for goods from China valued under $800 — a policy that had fueled a boom in cheap imports from platforms like Shein and Temu.
Starting May 2, small parcels will face a 120% duty, up from 90%. The per-item tariff threshold will also rise — from $100 in May to $200 in June.
These new rules are expected to hit low-cost consumer goods such as clothing and small appliances, potentially increasing prices for American shoppers.
As Washington continues to pressure Beijing, experts warn of ripple effects that could impact global supply chains and consumer markets worldwide.
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