By Gloria Nosa
White House Announces New Tariffs on China, Reaching as High as 245%
In a significant escalation of trade tensions, the White House has announced a new round of tariffs on Chinese imports — some of which will soar as high as 245%, according to senior U.S. officials.
The sweeping tariff hikes are part of the Biden administration’s broader effort to counter what it sees as unfair trade practices by China, particularly in sectors like electric vehicles (EVs), steel, aluminum, and critical technologies. The sharpest increase targets Chinese electric vehicles, which the administration argues are being “heavily subsidized” and pose a risk to U.S. industry competitiveness.
“These measures are designed to protect American jobs, industries, and our economic security,” a White House spokesperson said, emphasizing that the decision follows a multi-month review under the U.S. Trade Representative’s office.
The highest tariffs — 245% — are expected to hit Chinese EVs, while other categories like steel, solar cells, and certain battery components will also see sharp tariff increases, though at lower levels.
The announcement signals a more aggressive stance as the U.S. attempts to rebalance its trade relationship with China and invest in domestic manufacturing and clean energy. It also comes at a politically sensitive time, as economic issues dominate the agenda heading into the 2024 election season.
China has yet to respond in full, but Beijing has previously criticized such moves as “protectionist” and warned of potential retaliatory actions. Analysts say the new tariffs could further strain U.S.-China relations and spark broader trade disruptions if the conflict escalates.
While the White House maintains that the goal is to ensure “fair competition,” critics warn that higher tariffs could lead to increased prices for American consumers and complications for U.S. businesses reliant on Chinese supply chains.
As the policy rolls out, all eyes will be on China’s next move — and whether this signals the start of a new phase in the U.S.-China economic rivalry.
