China Faces Tariffs of Up to 245% Amid Escalating Trade War Retaliation

• Will China pay the highest price yet amid the trade war?
• Trump warns of national security threats
• US holds firm amid tense negotiations

Tensions between the United States and China continue to escalate.

A circular released by the White House warns that the Asian giant could face tariffs of up to 245% as a response to its trade war countermeasures.

This announcement follows the signing of an executive order by President Donald Trump.

The order mandates an assessment of national security risks related to foreign dependence on critical mineral supplies.

China Faces 245% Tariff

🇨🇳🆚🇺🇸 In a new escalation of the trade war between China and the U.S., exports from the Asian powerhouse to the U.S. could soon face a new 245% tariff, the White House announced. https://t.co/xhskr7bxsj pic.twitter.com/au1q5dxfgt

— RT en Español (@ActualidadRT) April 16, 2025

One of the primary concerns is China’s dominance over rare earth elements, which are vital for US technology and defense sectors.

The Trump administration argues this move aligns with previous policies aimed at correcting trade imbalances.

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The document also notes that more than 75 countries have reached out to Washington to negotiate new trade deals since the partial tariff pause announced on April 9.

However, according to EFE, the White House claims that China has not shown the same willingness to engage in negotiations.

Because of its retaliatory stance, Beijing stands out as an exception and now faces what could become a record-setting tariff.

The projected 245% tariff that China faces breaks down as follows:

• 125% reciprocal tariff announced by Trump
• 20% penalty for alleged lack of cooperation in combating fentanyl trafficking
• 7.5% to 100% on specific products under Section 301

Section 301 authorizes the US president to take action against what are deemed unfair trade practices by foreign countries.

Is Trump Punishing China?

🇺🇸🇨🇳 | BREAKING: The White House says China now faces up to a 245% tariff on exports to the U.S. due to its «retaliatory measures.» pic.twitter.com/wfapphtu9m

— Alerta Mundial (@AlertaMundoNews) April 16, 2025

Washington has relied on this trade tool since Trump’s first term to impose commercial penalties on China.

Currently, China imports face tariffs of up to 145%, while US exports entering China are taxed at 125%.

According to the White House, the sanctions on China remain in place as talks continue with other trade partners.

This indicates that the trade war is not only far from over—it may be about to intensify further.