Fact Check: "Trump hiked tariffs on China from 54% to 145% in April."
What We Know
In April 2025, President Donald Trump announced a significant increase in tariffs on Chinese imports. According to a report by the New York Times, the minimum tariff rate imposed on China reached 145%. This increase was part of a broader strategy to adjust tariffs in response to trade negotiations and retaliatory measures from China. The Washington Post corroborated this, indicating that Trump's actions led to a substantial rise in the average effective tariff rate on imports from China, which had previously been lower.
The timeline of these tariff increases shows a rapid escalation. Initially, tariffs were set at 34% and then increased to 84% and 125% before reaching the final rate of 145% on April 9, 2025, as detailed by China Briefing and China Briefing. This series of adjustments reflects the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, which have been characterized by a series of retaliatory tariffs.
Analysis
The claim that Trump hiked tariffs on China from 54% to 145% is supported by multiple credible sources, including major news outlets and trade analysis reports. The New York Times and Washington Post provide clear documentation of the tariff increases and their implications for trade relations. The reports indicate that the effective tariff rate on Chinese imports had been adjusted significantly, with the final rate reaching 145%.
However, it is essential to note that the 54% figure mentioned in the claim does not appear to be explicitly referenced in the sources. The increase from lower tariffs to 145% is well-documented, but the exact starting point of 54% is unclear. The China Briefing and China Briefing articles detail the progression of tariff rates but do not confirm a 54% rate prior to the increases.
The sources used are reputable and provide a comprehensive overview of the tariff situation, including the implications of these changes on U.S.-China trade relations. The reports from established media outlets lend credibility to the information presented.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Trump hiked tariffs on China from 54% to 145% in April is largely accurate regarding the increase to 145%. However, the specific mention of a starting rate of 54% lacks direct confirmation in the reviewed sources. The overall context of significant tariff increases is well-supported, making the claim valid in the broader sense of the tariff escalation.
