White House Clarifies 245% Tariff on Select Chinese Imports

The White House released a statement on Wednesday to address confusion surrounding the reported 245% tariff on certain Chinese imports to the United States. This follows last week’s announcement by the Trump administration, which imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese goods amid ongoing trade disputes. The new clarification specifies that the 245% rate applies to specific products, building on existing tariffs ranging from 7.5% to 100% already in place.

The statement comes after a White House fact sheet issued late Tuesday sparked uncertainty. The document stated that China now faces tariffs of up to 245% due to its retaliatory trade measures. Previously, U.S. officials had indicated that Chinese imports were subject to a 145% tariff, comprising a 125% reciprocal levy and a 20% tariff linked to the fentanyl crisis. Beijing, in response, has demanded precise tax rate details from Washington, asserting that its countermeasures are “reasonable and legal.”

Reports highlight four primary tariff categories affecting Chinese goods, including measures predating President Trump’s current term, which began in early 2025. The 245% tariff stems from a protectionist policy initiated during Trump’s first presidency and expanded under the Biden administration. According to the analysis cited in the fact sheet, specific items like syringes and needles from China are now subject to this elevated 245% levy. Additionally, the U.S. maintains an average base tariff of 3.4% on global imports, alongside targeted duties such as a 25% levy on steel, aluminum, and auto imports worldwide.