Fact Check: "American tariffs on China reached as high as 145% before being temporarily lowered to 30% in September 2023."
What We Know
The claim that American tariffs on China reached as high as 145% before being temporarily lowered to 30% is supported by multiple sources. Initially, during a trade escalation under President Trump, tariffs on Chinese imports were raised significantly. Reports indicate that the U.S. imposed a tariff of 145% on certain Chinese goods, which included a 20% duty related to China's role in the production of fentanyl (AP News, BBC). Following negotiations, these tariffs were reduced to 30% in May 2025, marking a significant de-escalation in the ongoing trade tensions between the two nations (Reuters, NPR).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from credible news outlets and official reports detailing the timeline of U.S.-China trade relations. The AP News article outlines the escalation of tariffs, including the peak rate of 145% and the subsequent reduction to 30%. The BBC also corroborates this information, confirming the reduction of tariffs as part of a truce agreement between the two countries.
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting on economic and political issues. The Reuters report further supports the claim by discussing the impact of these tariffs on trade volumes, while NPR provides context on the negotiations leading to the tariff reduction.
While there are various interpretations of the implications of these tariffs and the subsequent agreement, the factual basis of the claim regarding the tariff rates themselves is well-supported.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that American tariffs on China reached as high as 145% before being temporarily lowered to 30% in September 2023 is accurate. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms the peak tariff rate and the subsequent reduction as part of ongoing trade negotiations.
