US-China tariffs reached sky-high levels over just three months, severely impacting both countries’ economies. These tariffs began as a series of retaliatory measures but escalated to unprecedented heights. Talks between U.S. and Chinese officials are now underway in Switzerland, aimed at resolving this ongoing issue.
The trade war between Washington and Beijing has had significant economic consequences. As of today, U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports have hit 145%, while China’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods stand at 125%. Both countries have felt the negative effects, with their exporters struggling to stay competitive in a difficult market.
In recent statements, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope that the ongoing talks could lead to tangible progress. He suggested that the U.S. might reduce tariffs if China made meaningful concessions. However, China remains firm in its demand for the U.S. to cancel the tariffs ahead of any discussions.
Let’s break down how US-China tariffs reached sky-high levels since President Trump began his second term:
On Feb. 1, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order that imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods. He also announced 25% duties on Mexico and Canada, though he later gave a 30-day reprieve for these tariffs.
Just a few days later, on Feb. 4, the 10% tariffs on Chinese imports took effect. China immediately retaliated, imposing tariffs on key U.S. products like coal, liquefied natural gas, and agricultural machinery.
By March 4, President Trump escalated tariffs by an additional 10%, bringing the total to 20%. In response, China increased tariffs on U.S. farm products like pork, beef, and soy. The conflict seemed to intensify as both sides exchanged retaliatory measures.
The situation took another sharp turn on April 2, when President Trump announced a drastic 34% tariff on Chinese imports, which was set to go into effect just days later. China struck back on April 4, imposing a similar 34% tariff on U.S. goods. This back-and-forth continued until April 9, when U.S. tariffs soared to 145%, and China retaliated with 125% tariffs.
Now, US-China tariffs reached sky-high levels, making it difficult for both economies to thrive. With the current round of talks underway, the world watches closely to see if both nations can find common ground.
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