While a 90-day tariff pause benefits several countries, the White House confirms a dramatic hike in Chinese import duties — with selective exclusions and a complex tariff regime sparking fresh uncertainty.
Washington, April 11 – The White House has confirmed that US President Donald Trump has raised tariffs on Chinese goods to an unprecedented 145%, as his administration tightens trade pressure on Beijing. The sweeping hike includes a new 125% duty that took effect Thursday, building on an earlier 20% tariff introduced earlier this year over China’s alleged role in the fentanyl supply chain.
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While the new rate applies broadly to many Chinese imports, the administration has left notable exclusions in place. Steel, aluminum, and automobiles — already facing separate 25% tariffs — are not included in the new hike. Additionally, categories like copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber, and energy products are currently exempt, though Trump has hinted at possible future action on some of them.
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At the same time, the White House has rolled out a 90-day pause on fresh tariffs for dozens of non-retaliatory nations, in what analysts are calling a tactical move to isolate China diplomatically while reassuring key allies.
Also Read: Trump’s Tariff Tussle: EU Pauses Retaliation, Markets Jitter as China Hits Back
The result is a layered and fragmented tariff regime that reflects both political strategy and economic signaling — intensifying tensions with China while trying to avoid broader global fallout.
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Trump tariffs, China trade war, White House announcement, 145 percent tariff, US-China relations, tariff exclusions, steel imports, aluminum tariffs, US trade policy, fentanyl crisis, global trade tensions