Fact Check: American tariffs on China were as high as 145% before a temporary agreement in September 2023 reduced them to 30%.

Fact Check: "American tariffs on China were as high as 145% before a temporary agreement in September 2023 reduced them to 30%."

What We Know

The claim that American tariffs on China reached as high as 145% before a temporary agreement reduced them to 30% is supported by multiple sources. According to a report by the New York Times, the United States agreed to reduce tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30% as part of a temporary deal reached in September 2023. This agreement was a response to escalating trade tensions and aimed to ease the economic strain felt by businesses and consumers due to high tariffs.

Further corroboration comes from NPR, which also reported that U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods would drop from at least 145% to a base levy of 30% for an initial period of 90 days. This reduction was part of a broader negotiation strategy between the two nations, highlighting the significant tariff levels that had been imposed prior to this agreement.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, with multiple reputable sources confirming the tariff rates before and after the agreement. The Reuters article specifically states that U.S. tariffs on China were set to fall from 145% to 30%, while Chinese tariffs on U.S. goods would decrease from 125% to 10%. This aligns with the information provided by the BBC and NBC News, which also detail the drastic reductions in tariffs as part of the negotiations.

The sources used are credible and come from established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting on economic and trade issues. The New York Times, NPR, and Reuters are known for their journalistic integrity, and their coverage of the U.S.-China trade situation has been consistent and well-sourced.

However, it is important to note that while the temporary reduction in tariffs is significant, the long-term implications of these changes remain uncertain. As highlighted by CNN, the agreement is temporary and could be reversed if negotiations do not yield a lasting resolution. This context is critical for understanding the broader economic landscape and the potential volatility in U.S.-China trade relations.

Conclusion

The claim that American tariffs on China were as high as 145% before a temporary agreement in September 2023 reduced them to 30% is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the accuracy of the tariff rates before and after the agreement, demonstrating a significant reduction aimed at alleviating trade tensions between the two nations.

Sources

1. U.S. and China Reach Deal to Temporarily Slash Tariffs
2. US-China trade deal as it happened: Tariffs to be lowered for 90 days ...
3. U.S. and China announce deal to temporarily cut tariffs : NPR
4. US-China tariff deal: What does it mean? - BBC
5. Tariffs in the second Trump administration
6. U.S. and China agree to slash tariffs for 90 days as trade ... - NBC News
7. US and China agree to drastically roll back tariffs in major trade ...
8. U.S.-China tariff truce offers temporary relief - CBS News