US slaps 245% retaliatory tariffs on Chinese goods as trade war intensifies

China now faces tariffs of up to 245% on its exports to the United States, the White House said. The move, detailed in a fact sheet released late Tuesday, came in retaliation to a series of aggressive actions by Beijing, including a ban on new Boeing jet orders by Chinese airlines.

“China now faces up to a 245% tariff on imports to the United States as a result of its retaliatory actions,” the White House said, justifying the decision under national security grounds.

The confrontation has rapidly intensified since the US imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese goods earlier this month. China hit back with 125% tariffs on American imports and further tightened exports of key minerals essential to high-tech and defense industries. The latest US action also follows a broader national security review of critical imports, targeting China’s grip over rare earth elements.

“Just this week, China suspended exports of six heavy rare earth metals, as well as rare earth magnets… to choke off supplies” to sectors like automotives, aerospace, semiconductors, and military manufacturing, the White House noted.

The administration also pointed to China’s earlier bans on exports of gallium, germanium, and antimony, materials with strategic and military applications.

While tariffs on most countries have been paused as part of ongoing trade discussions, the US stressed that China’s retaliation had forced its hand. “More than 75 countries have already reached out to discuss new trade deals… except for China, which retaliated,” the statement added.

President Trump’s “America First” trade strategy, the White House reiterated, was designed “to make America’s economy great again.”

China says 'not afraid to fight' trade war with US

Earlier, China hit back with strong words of its own. “China does not want to fight, but it is not afraid to fight,” said foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, urging Washington to stop the “extreme pressure” and “blackmailing.”

“If the US really wants to resolve the issue… it should stop threatening and talk to China on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit,” Lin said.

The White House has yet to clarify whether additional tariffs or export controls are on the table as the national security probe unfolds. However, President Trump made his stance clear saying, “The ball is in China’s court. China needs to make a deal with us,” said Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, reading from a statement by the President on Tuesday.

With both sides hardening positions, the latest salvo signals that the long-simmering US-China trade war may be entering its most volatile phase yet.