U.S. Tariffs on China Now Total 145% After Latest Hike, White House Says

The White House confirmed today that U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports have surged to a staggering 145%, marking the steepest escalation yet in the ongoing U.S.-China trade conflict. The latest hike, announced this morning, adds a fresh layer of pressure on Beijing amid stalled negotiations and mounting global economic uncertainty.

President Donald Trump’s economic advisors say the move is part of a broader effort to "rebalance global trade" and bolster struggling U.S. industries — particularly in steel, manufacturing, and semiconductors — which the administration claims have been harmed by decades of unfair Chinese trade practices.

📈 Market Reaction: Wall Street reacted swiftly, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipping 2.1% by midday and the Nasdaq falling 2.6%, as investors digest the potential for prolonged tensions, higher consumer prices, and slower economic growth. Analysts are warning that continued tit-for-tat tariffs could strain supply chains and consumer spending heading into the second half of the year.

🇨🇳 China Hits Back: In response, Beijing activated a new round of retaliatory tariffs, raising levies on American goods to 84%. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said the new measures will target key sectors including U.S. agriculture, aerospace, technology, and energy, signaling that China is prepared to endure the economic pain rather than yield to U.S. demands.

📉 Small Businesses Sound the Alarm: Across the U.S., small and mid-sized businesses are bracing for the fallout. Supply chain disruptions, rising costs for raw materials, and shrinking international demand are beginning to take a toll.

🏛️ Political Showdown on Capitol Hill: The tariff escalation has deepened political divisions in Washington.

• Republicans are largely backing the administration’s tough stance, arguing it's time to stand up to China’s trade abuses.

• Democrats, however, are urging the White House to return to the negotiating table before the damage becomes irreversible. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warned of “lasting harm to American workers and families.”

🌍 Global Repercussions: International observers are also watching closely. European and Asian markets saw similar dips, and trading partners are expressing concern that U.S.-China tensions could ripple through the global economy. Meanwhile, trade analysts warn the World Trade Organization could soon become involved if either side formally lodges a dispute.

📝 What’s Next: The administration has signaled more tariffs could be on the table if China doesn’t make "substantial concessions." Talks are rumored to resume in Geneva later this month, but few expect a breakthrough any time soon.