US Clarifies China Tariffs: Select Imports Now Face Up to 245% Duty
US Clarifies China Tariffs: Select Imports Now Face Up to 245% Duty
The White House issued a clarification on Wednesday following confusion over reports that some US imports from China now face tariffs as high as 245%. Last week, the Trump administration imposed a 145% tariff in response to China's trade practices. This is in addition to existing levies ranging from 7.5% to 100% on select goods. Beijing, calling its countermeasures “reasonable and legal,” has requested detailed tax rates from Washington.
The confusion stemmed from a White House fact sheet on Tuesday, which mentioned tariffs “up to 245%” on Chinese imports. Previously, the US cited a 145% rate—comprising a 125% retaliatory duty and a 20% fentanyl-related tariff. The updated details suggest some goods will now be taxed at the full 245%, while others remain at 145%.
Reports reveal four main categories of tariffs are in place, including older ones and those expanded under Biden. According to the New York Times, syringes and needles face the full 245% rate, lithium-ion batteries 173%, squid 170%, and wool sweaters 169%.
Read More: China Escalates Trade Tensions with U.S. Through Non-Tariff Measures