President Donald Trump recently announced he was raising tariffs on imports from China to 125% “effective immediately.”
The announcement comes as a diplomatic and economic row between the world’s two largest economies deepens.
Trump and many Republicans have argued China engages in deceptive trade practices to unfairly attract trade to their shores, harming the US economy and national security.
China had reacted to President Trump’s ‘liberation day’ tariffs by retaliating against the US with reciprocal tariffs.
Trump levied a baseline 10% tariff on all imports entering the US, with additional tariffs for countries that the White House assessed are trading unfairly with the US.
China was hit with a 34% tariff after the Trump administration calculated China charges U.S. imports 67% tariffs.
China’s retaliatory tariff response prompted Trump to impose even more tariffs on them, and he even threatened to increase them up to 104%.
China, however, was undeterred.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian defiantly opposed the tariffs, claiming that China “will not let anyone take away the Chinese people’s legitimate right to development.”
“We will continue to take resolute and strong measures to safeguard our legitimate rights and interests,” continued Spokesperson Jian.
In response, Trump announced he was raising tariffs to 125%- their highest point yet.
“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%,” stated Trump.
Additionally, Trump announced a 90-day pause to 10% on tariffs for all countries that have opted to negotiate instead of retaliating as they discuss trade deals with the US.
"I like the fact that the President did what he did today as far as the 90—negotiating with our allies. Our allies all over the world are willing to negotiate with him...I think its a good strategy," said Florida Rep. Gus Bilirakis when asked about the 90 day pause.
Advisor Stephen Miller lauded Trump’s strategic tariff maneuvers, claiming they had helped to reform international trade while “economically and politically isolating the global architect of economic aggression: China.”
