US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff hike on Chinese goods, which recently came into effect, has exponentially increased to 145%. As reported by The Straits Times and CNA, the tariff hike was confirmed by The White House on 10 April 2025.
While Trump recently announced a 90-day pause on new tariffs for dozens of other trading partners, pressure on Chinese imports have greatly intensified. This new figure adds to a 20% tariff introduced earlier in the year over China’s alleged involvement in the fentanyl supply chain.
The White House clarified that the latest 125% tariff only applies to the newest round of measures and does not include earlier tariffs. When combined with previous actions, including penalties imposed during past administrations, the total duties on many Chinese goods now stand at 145%.
It added that the newly announced 125% tariff does not apply universally. Several major product categories have been excluded, including steel, aluminium and vehicles, which are already subject to separate 25% tariffs under different policies. Meanwhile, goods such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber and energy products are also exempted from the latest round, though Trump has indicated that some of these sectors could face additional measures in the future.
(Source: The Straits Times, CNA)
