The White House has confirmed that a sweeping new tariff regime spearheaded by US President Donald Trump took effect on Thursday, raising cumulative levies on many Chinese products to a striking 145%.
The measure forms part of an aggressive effort by Washington to penalise Beijing over its alleged involvement in the illicit fentanyl supply chain, with a fresh 125% duty now layered atop an existing 20% hike introduced earlier this year.
While the move underscores a renewed hard-line stance, it is accompanied by a 90-day suspension of additional tariffs for several other nations, as outlined in a separate executive order issued by the White House.
Notably, the 125% increase does not cover certain key sectors, such as steel, aluminium and automobiles, which are already subject to distinct 25% duties imposed under separate regulatory regimes.
Further exemptions apply to goods including copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, timber and energy products — categories that Trump has signalled may face targeted tariffs in future.
The result is a patchwork of overlapping levies that paints a complex picture of trade policy, even as diplomatic friction between Washington and Beijing continues to mount.
