US Raises China Tariffs to 245% as Trump Responds to Retaliation

Published • 16 April 2025 at 10:33 AM

Donald Trump imposes 245% tariffs on China, escalating 2025 trade dispute
President Trump hikes China tariffs to 245% in response to retaliatory trade actions
Firstpost

President Donald Trump has signed an Executive Order raising tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 245%, escalating the ongoing US-China trade war. This sharp increase comes as a response to China's retaliatory tariffs following earlier US trade measures. According to a White House factsheet, while over 75 countries have initiated new trade discussions post-tariff imposition, China has instead retaliated—prompting this unprecedented move. The Trump administration defends the action as necessary for national and economic security, despite widespread criticism from economists. Notably, the usual dramatic Trump-style announcement was absent this time. The conflict originally began over China's alleged involvement in the fentanyl supply chain, leading to mounting tariffs from both sides. In 2025 alone, Trump has imposed an additional 145% in tariffs, now totaling 245%. In response, China declared it is "not afraid" of a trade war and urged the US to pursue dialogue based on equality and mutual respect. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian emphasized that the US should stop applying extreme pressure if it seeks a negotiated resolution. This development signals a major escalation in one of the most significant global trade disputes, with far-reaching implications for global markets and diplomatic relations.

Key Highlights
  • Trump Signs Executive Order: President Donald Trump signed an order increasing tariffs on Chinese imports to 245%.
  • Response to Retaliation: The move is in response to China’s retaliatory tariffs after earlier U.S. trade actions.
  • White House Statement: A White House factsheet claimed 75+ countries began trade talks after U.S. tariffs, except China.
  • National Security Justification: The Trump administration justifies the increase as necessary for economic and national security, despite economist criticism.
  • Unusual Silence: Unlike typical Trump announcements, this tariff hike was not accompanied by dramatic fanfare.
  • Origin of Conflict: The trade war began over China's alleged role in the fentanyl supply chain.
  • Massive Increase in 2025: Trump has imposed an additional 145% in tariffs this year alone, raising the total to 245%.
  • China's Reaction: China said it is "not afraid" of a trade war and urged the U.S. to engage in talks based on mutual respect and equality.
  • Call for Dialogue: Chinese spokesman Lin Jian called on the U.S. to stop pressure and threats and resolve the dispute through negotiation.
  • Global Implications: This escalation could have wide-reaching effects on global markets, supply chains, and diplomatic ties.

Latest News

BPSL faces liquidation after ₹19,700 crore bid by JSW Steel deemed illegal by court

SC Orders Liquidation of Bhushan Power, Rejects JSW Steel Plan as Illegal

Published • 2 May 2025 at 7:26 AM
Reliance Power inks ₹10,000 crore deal for 930 MW solar and 1,860 MWh BESS with SECI

Reliance NU Suntech Signs ₹10,000 Crore PPA for 930 MW Solar Power

Published • 2 May 2025 at 5:44 AM
Brunson’s clutch buzzer-beater seals series and sparks iconic “double bang” from Mike Breen.

Jalen Brunson's Clutch Shot Sends Knicks to Victory; Iconic "Double Bang!"

Published • 2 May 2025 at 4:57 AM
Amazon exceeds Q1 earnings estimates but lowers Q2 guidance, citing tariffs and trade concerns.

Amazon Q1 Earnings Beat, But Soft Q2 Guidance Amid Tariff Concerns

Published • 1 May 2025 at 10:52 PM
Reddit shares soar 20% after Q1 earnings beat, revenue hits $392M with 108M daily users.

Reddit Crushes Q1 Expectations: Shares Soar 20% on Earnings

Published • 1 May 2025 at 10:37 PM
Ford April sales increase 16% with strong truck demand, but EV sales decline 40%.

Ford U.S. Sales Rise 16% in April Despite 40% EV Sales Drop

Published • 1 May 2025 at 3:26 PM
GM lowers 2025 profit forecast amid $5B tariff impact; ramps up U.S. production efforts.

GM Cuts 2025 Profit Outlook by $4B-$5B Due to US Tariffs

Published • 1 May 2025 at 3:03 PM
Barclays posts £2.7B Q1 profit, boosted by 21% rise in fixed income trading revenue.

Barclays Q1 Profit Soars 19% to £2.7B, Beats Expectations

Published • 30 April 2025 at 7:23 AM
IndusInd Bank stock gains 3% as Deputy CEO Arun Khurana resigns citing trading issues.

IndusInd Bank Deputy CEO Resigns on Loss; Stock Shows Resilience

Published • 29 April 2025 at 4:51 AM
IBM commits $150 billion for U.S. manufacturing push, focusing on quantum computing growth.

IBM to Invest $150B in US, Boost Quantum & Mainframe Production

Published • 28 April 2025 at 4:27 PM
Wells Fargo advances toward lifting $1.95 trillion asset cap after consent order termination.

Wells Fargo Clears Another Hurdle, Nears End of Consent Orders

Published • 28 April 2025 at 2:05 PM
Adani Ports to acquire North Queensland Export Terminal for $2.54B in global expansion move

Adani Ports to Acquire Australian Export Terminal for $2.54 Billion

Published • 18 April 2025 at 12:54 PM