2025-04-10T17:18:20.000Z

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In a significant escalation of trade tensions, the administration of US President Donald Trump confirmed on April 10 that it has raised tariffs on a wide range of Chinese goods to an imposing 145 percent. This steep tariff hike comes as part of a broader strategy aimed at pressuring China over its trade practices and alleged involvement in the fentanyl supply chain, which has been a growing concern for US officials.

The new tariff rates are the result of a complex series of actions that reflect the ongoing friction between Washington and Beijing. Earlier this year, Trump had already imposed an additional 20 percent duty on certain Chinese imports, citing the countrys role in the distribution of fentanyla powerful synthetic opioid linked to thousands of overdose deaths in the United States.

With the new 125 percent tariff layered on top of previously existing duties, the total tariffs on Chinese products in 2023 have skyrocketed to 145 percent, marking a record high and reflecting the administration's aggressive approach to international trade relations. However, it is important to note that this latest increase does not uniformly apply to all goods. Specifically, key products such as steel and aluminum, as well as automobiles, remain subject to separate 25 percent tariffs instituted under different regulatory frameworks.

Moreover, the recent tariff hike notably excludes several crucial categories of goods, including copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber, and various energy products. This careful selection of exclusions suggests that the Trump administration is still considering further actions against these items, which could indicate a more strategic approach to its trade policy.

This development comes during a time of heightened scrutiny and pressure on China's trade practices, as the US continues to seek fairer terms of trade and aims to address what it perceives as unfair economic practices. The escalating tariff levels add yet another layer of complexity to an already fraught relationship between the two global superpowers, particularly as the economic ramifications are felt on both sides of the Pacific.