Trump clarifies terms of new US-China tariff agreements

In a statement made in mid-May 2025, US President Donald Trump revealed the specifics of the tariff agreements reached between Washington and Beijing regarding the reduction of mutual duties.

Despite the newly negotiated terms, Trump confirmed that the US tariffs previously imposed by the White House administration would remain unaffected, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

According to the president, these tariffs specifically apply to imports of new cars, steel, and aluminum from China, which will continue to carry a 25 per cent duty based on their customs value. Additionally, Trump suggested that tariffs on Chinese pharmaceutical products could be subject to adjustments, though this remains an area for potential revision.

“Agreements with China do not include tariffs that have already been introduced,” Trump clarified, reaffirming that existing duties on these specific categories of goods will stay in place.

On April 2, US President Donald Trump announced the introduction of tariffs on products from 185 countries and territories. Russia is not present on the list. Baseline tariffs of 10 per cent came into force on April 5, while individualized ones became effective on April 9.

Moreover, the US administration introduced 25 per cent tariffs on all imported cars from April 3. On April 9, Trump announced suspension of additional import tariffs imposed on a reciprocal basis for a number of countries and territories for 90 days. The White House explained that the pause was related to trade negotiations, adding that during this period, a universal tariff of 10 per cent will be in effect. The US tariffs on Chinese goods totaled 145 per cent.

By Vafa Guliyeva