Tariffs on some Chinese goods are up to 245%, White House says

SHENZHEN, CHINA - APRIL 12: A large container vessel operated by Danish shipping giant Maersk is docked at the Yantian International Container Terminal, with gantry cranes unloading containers amid port expansion construction in the foreground, on April 12, 2025 in Shenzhen, China. China has imposed a new round of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, raising duties to 125% in response to the latest escalation by the United States, which increased tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%. The growing trade tensions have further impacted China's export sector, affecting key industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and cross-border e-commerce. The measures are part of Beijing's broader strategy to counter rising economic pressure and defend its trade interests. (Photo by Cheng Xin/Getty Images)
SHENZHEN, CHINA - APRIL 12: A large container vessel operated by Danish shipping giant Maersk is docked at the Yantian International Container Terminal, with gantry cranes unloading containers amid port expansion construction in the foreground, on April 12, 2025 in Shenzhen, China. China has imposed a new round of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, raising duties to 125% in response to the latest escalation by the United States, which increased tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%. The growing trade tensions have further impacted China's export sector, affecting key industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and cross-border e-commerce. The measures are part of Beijing's broader strategy to counter rising economic pressure and defend its trade interests. (Photo by Cheng Xin/Getty Images) Photo credit (Photo by Cheng Xin/Getty Images)

The highest tariffs imposed on Chinese imports to the United States are up to 245%, the White House said in a statement issued late Tuesday night.

The White House said the 145% tariff it announced last week, actually drives the tax on certain goods up to 245% because of tariffs already in place. The clarification comes in response to what the Trump administration described as "unfair retaliatory measures" by China.

The White House said that the heightened tariffs aim to protect U.S. economic and national security interests, framing the decision as a necessary countermeasure to China's trade practices.

According to a White House fact sheet, the decision follows years of escalating tensions, with China imposing its own tariffs and halting purchases of U.S. goods, including Boeing aircraft and related equipment.

China has yet to issue an official response but has previously indicated its willingness to challenge such measures through the World Trade Organization. Beijing has also called for dialogue, urging the U.S. to approach negotiations with "equality, respect, and mutual benefit."

As the world's two largest economies continue to clash, the implications of this latest development are likely to reverberate across global markets and diplomatic relations.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: (Photo by Cheng Xin/Getty Images)