White House Confirms Trump Raises China Tariffs to 145%

Washington, D.C. – April 10, 2025 — In a move that has sent shockwaves through global markets, the White House officially confirmed today that former President Donald Trump, now the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 election, plans to implement a sweeping increase in tariffs on Chinese imports, raising them to a staggering 145%. The announcement is part of his renewed pledge to crack down on what he describes as “decades of unfair trade practices” by China.

This decision, if enacted during a second Trump administration, would mark one of the most aggressive tariff measures in U.S. history, far surpassing the trade war levels seen during his first term. Trump, speaking at a rally in Michigan, said the measure is necessary to protect American manufacturing and bring jobs back to the United States.

“We’re done playing games with China,” Trump declared. “They’ve taken advantage of our workers for far too long, and now we’re going to put America first again—bigger than ever.”

Details of the Tariff Plan

According to a White House policy outline shared with the press, the proposed tariff would apply broadly to Chinese goods, including electronics, machinery, steel, textiles, and consumer products such as smartphones and apparel. The plan would raise the average tariff on Chinese imports from the current 25%—a level reached during Trump’s first term—to an unprecedented 145%.

Economic analysts note that such a dramatic hike could affect over $500 billion in trade annually. The administration argues that the move will force companies to shift supply chains away from China and invest more in domestic production.

Political and Economic Reaction

The policy has drawn both praise and criticism. Supporters of Trump’s protectionist stance argue that the tariffs will restore American industry and reduce dependency on foreign manufacturing. Peter Navarro, a former Trump trade adviser, called the move “bold and overdue.”

However, critics warn that the tariff hike could trigger severe economic consequences, including inflationary pressure, supply chain disruptions, and potential retaliation from Beijing. Many economists caution that American consumers will bear the brunt of the costs, as higher tariffs are typically passed on in the form of more expensive goods.

“We’re talking about a major tax on American families,” said Janet Yellen, the current Treasury Secretary under President Biden. “This kind of trade escalation would likely spark a global backlash and hurt the very workers it claims to protect.”

Global Implications

China has yet to officially respond to the announcement, but early reports suggest that Chinese officials are preparing countermeasures. If implemented, the tariffs could reignite a full-blown trade war between the world’s two largest economies, with potential ripple effects across global markets.

International allies have also expressed concern over the potential fallout. The European Union released a statement urging both the U.S. and China to resolve disputes through the World Trade Organization (WTO) rather than unilateral action.

Impact on the 2024 Election

Trump’s aggressive tariff proposal is likely to become a central issue in the 2024 presidential race. While the policy may resonate with blue-collar voters in Rust Belt states, it could alienate free-trade conservatives and Wall Street donors. President Biden has responded by emphasizing a more measured trade policy aimed at strengthening alliances and countering China through multilateral approaches.

Conclusion

As the 2024 election heats up, Trump’s tariff plan sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation over the future of U.S.-China relations and American economic strategy. Whether it leads to renewed industrial growth or economic backlash remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: the trade war is back on the ballot.