Fact Check: Tariffs could surge back to nearly 50% in 12 days.

Fact Check: "Tariffs could surge back to nearly 50% in 12 days."

What We Know

The claim that tariffs could surge back to nearly 50% in 12 days is rooted in the current complexities of U.S.-China trade relations and the recent adjustments to tariff rates. According to a Congress.gov report, the U.S. and China had previously agreed to a temporary reduction in tariffs, but the situation remains fluid. As of June 2025, the U.S. has implemented a 50% tariff on certain steel and aluminum imports, which is a significant increase from previous rates (source-5). Furthermore, the U.S. has maintained various tariffs on Chinese goods, including a 30% rate that was recently reduced from 145% for a limited time (source-7).

The timeline indicates that specific tariffs, including those on steel derivatives, are set to take effect shortly, which could lead to an increase in overall tariff rates. For instance, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced that several household appliances would be subject to a 50% tariff starting June 23, 2025 (source-3). This suggests that while some tariffs are decreasing, others are increasing, leading to a complicated tariff landscape.

Analysis

The assertion that tariffs could surge back to nearly 50% in 12 days is partially true. The potential for tariffs to reach this level is based on the upcoming implementation of new tariffs on specific goods, as noted in the Congress.gov report and the China Briefing article. However, the context is crucial; the 50% tariff is not a blanket rate but applies to specific categories of goods, particularly steel and aluminum derivatives.

Moreover, the complexity of U.S.-China tariffs means that while some rates are increasing, others are decreasing or remaining stable. For example, the effective tariff rate on many Chinese goods is still above 30%, despite temporary reductions (source-6). The claim does not clarify that the 50% rate applies selectively and is contingent upon specific products rather than a general increase across all tariffs.

The sources used to evaluate this claim are credible, with Congress.gov being a reliable government resource, and the China Briefing article providing a thorough overview of the current tariff landscape. However, the potential for bias exists in interpretations of trade policies, as they can be influenced by political and economic agendas.

Conclusion

The claim that "tariffs could surge back to nearly 50% in 12 days" is partially true. While there are specific tariffs set to increase to 50% on certain goods, the overall tariff situation is more nuanced, with various rates in flux. The complexity of U.S.-China trade relations means that while some tariffs are increasing, others are decreasing or remain unchanged, leading to a mixed picture of the tariff landscape.

Sources

1. PDF Presidential 2025 Tariff Actions: Timeline and Status - Congress.gov
2. US-China Tariff Rates - What Are They Now?
3. 50% Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum and Derivatives U.S. Imports Effective ...
4. Deep inside economy, more sticker prices start to go up ...
5. 2025 Tariffs and Their Impact on Global Trade - UPS