Washington: The US-China trade tension has escalated further as the White House confirmed that the total US tariff on Chinese imports has now reached 145 percent.
President Donald Trump announced a new 125 percent tariff, which will be applied in addition to the existing 20 percent. This brings the total duties on Chinese goods to a record high.
The initial 20 percent was introduced to combat fentanyl smuggling, while the latest hike is seen as a countermeasure in the ongoing trade dispute.
China has responded strongly, warning the US of full retaliation if the policy remains unchanged.
Experts say such high tariffs may increase inflation for American consumers as well, even as the US gives a 90-day reprieve to Canada, Mexico, and other nations. However, the new China tariff is already in effect.