US Tariffs on Chinese Goods Soar to 145%, Sparking Fears of Trade Disruption

The United States has ramped up its import tariffs on Chinese goods to a staggering 145%, marking a historic high and fueling concerns about a potential collapse in bilateral trade. The figure includes newly announced duties as well as existing tariffs on fentanyl-related imports.

As reported by CNBC on Friday (April 11, 2025), a White House official confirmed that the total tariff burden on Chinese imports has now reached 145%. This includes a jump from 84% to 125% declared by President Donald Trump earlier this week, alongside a 20% tariff imposed in February on goods associated with fentanyl.

The tariff escalation has raised alarm among economists. Erica York, Vice President of Federal Tax Policy at the Tax Foundation, warned that such extreme tariff levels could effectively shut down trade between the world’s two largest economies.

“When tariffs go into triple digits, you’re essentially cutting off most trade,” York stated.

She also noted that market uncertainty persists, especially since the elevated tariffs are only set to last through July 2025, with no clear guidance on what comes next.

Earlier this week, Trump announced a 90-day delay in tariff hikes for most countries—excluding China. During a Thursday Cabinet meeting, he declined to rule out the possibility of extending the tariff suspension beyond the initial 90-day period.

Taking into account the base 10% import tariff still in place, along with sector-specific levies, the Trump administration is now seen as steering the US into its most protectionist trade posture in decades.