US hits China with new tariffs of up to 245% Over retaliatory measures

The United States has imposed a new tariff of up to 245% on Chinese imports in response to Beijing's retaliatory trade actions, according to a statement from the White House late on April 15.

The latest move follows a broader shift in US trade policy, with the White House launching a national security inquiry into crucial resource imports, Caliber.Az reports, referencing White House.

This administrative order also addressed the tariffs first announced on April 2.

"China now faces up to a 245% tariff on imports to the United States as a result of its retaliatory actions," the White House stated.

"On Day One, President Trump initiated his America First Trade Policy to make America’s economy great again," the statement added.

"More than 75 countries have already reached out to discuss new trade deals. As a result, the individualized higher tariffs are currently paused amid these discussions, except for China, which retaliated," it continued.

The US had already been embroiled in trade tensions with China, which earlier this year imposed bans on exports to the US of key high-tech materials, including gallium, germanium, and antimony—substances with potential military applications.

This week, China escalated its actions by suspending exports of six heavy rare earth metals and rare earth magnets, vital components for industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to semiconductors and military sectors.

The exact tariff rate imposed on China remains unclear, though the White House implied it could reach as high as 245%.

In response to the US move, China raised its tariffs on US goods to 125% on April 11, escalating the ongoing trade dispute. Last month, the US had increased tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, while temporarily halting planned levies on other countries' products.

By Aghakazim Guliyev