Trump White House says China faces up to 245% tariff due to retaliatory actions

A White House fact sheet released on Apr. 15 (U.S. time) stated that goods from China could face tariffs as high as 245 per cent due to retaliatory actions by China.

The fact sheet also claimed that more than 75 countries have already reached out to the U.S. under President Donald Trump's administration to discuss new trade deals.

"As a result, the individualised higher tariffs are currently paused amid these discussions, except for China, which retaliated," the fact sheet stated.

"China now faces up to a 245 per cent tariff on imports to the United States as a result of its retaliatory actions."

However, it appears that the 245 per cent tariff figure was not communicated elsewhere beyond the fact sheet.

In response to a query about the White House's 245 per cent tariff on Chinese imports statement, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded on Apr. 16 that "you can ask the US side for the specific tax rate figures", according to Global Times.

Lin said at a press briefing that China has repeatedly stated its solemn position on the tariff issue, which was that it was initiated by the United States.

"China has taken necessary countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests and international fairness and justice, which is completely reasonable and legal. Tariff and trade wars have no winner. China does not want to fight these wars but is not scared of them," Global Times reported Lin as saying.

What was White House fact sheet about

The administrative order on Tuesday came as Trump authorised a national security investigation regarding crucial mineral imports.

The White House statement said China banned exports of gallium, germanium, antimony, and other key high-tech materials with potential military applications to the U.S. a few months ago.

The tariffs on critical minerals and their derivative products were levied to protect the U.S. defence capabilities, infrastructure development, and technological innovation, the fact sheet stated.

It added: "Processed critical minerals and their derivative products are key building blocks of our defense industrial base and integral to applications such as jet engines, missile guidance systems, advanced computing, radar systems, advanced optics, and secure communications equipment."

"The United States remains heavily dependent on foreign sources, particularly adversarial nations, for these essential materials, exposing the economy and defense sector to supply chain disruptions and economic coercion."

Top photo via White House