Trump Slaps China With a Massive 245% Tariff Amid Escalating Trade War

April 16, 2025 | By Atlas News Staff

The U.S.–China trade war just hit a boiling point.

President Donald Trump has authorized a sweeping new round of tariffs on Chinese imports, bringing the total rate to an unprecedented 245%, according to a White House announcement issued Tuesday.

The move, formalized through an executive order, reinstates a 25% tariff on steel and matches it for aluminum—closing previous exemptions and signaling the administration’s aggressive stance against what Trump called a “lack of respect” from China.

📈 The Tariff Escalation Timeline

What began as a 20% tariff at the start of Trump’s second term has since snowballed. A 34% hike on April 2 and another 50% jump shortly after followed Chinese threats of retaliation. That brought the cumulative U.S. tariff rate on Chinese goods to 104%—until now.

As tit-for-tat measures continued, China imposed its own 84% tariff on U.S. goods. The U.S. responded with a 125% rate, and just days ago, both countries doubled down again: China raised tariffs to 125% on U.S. goods, and the U.S. countered by lifting its rate to 145%. Now, Washington’s latest move pushes the rate to a staggering 245%.

🪵 Minerals, Timber, and Digital Tax Under New Scrutiny

Alongside tariff hikes, President Trump signed additional executive orders targeting foreign economic activities deemed “coercive.”

One order directs the Commerce Department to investigate whether U.S. reliance on imported copper, timber, and other critical minerals poses a national security threat. The probe, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, could result in further trade restrictions.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has been tasked with identifying vulnerabilities in America’s mineral supply chains and proposing solutions to boost domestic production.

The push for resource independence comes amid China’s suspension of exports of six heavy rare earth metals and magnets, materials vital to industries from aerospace and defense to electric vehicles.

📊 China’s Economy Still Growing

Despite mounting U.S. pressure, China’s economy remains resilient. Beijing reported a 5.4% GDP increase in Q1, beating the 5.1% growth forecast from analysts.

China’s National Bureau of Statistics praised the strong start to the year but warned of challenges ahead, including weakening domestic demand and rising global uncertainty.

⚔️ No Signs of Backing Down

Neither side appears ready to compromise.

With Beijing and Washington digging in, the global economy is left watching as the world’s two largest powers continue their high-stakes economic brinkmanship.