U.S. - China Trade War explained: 34%- 84%- 125%

Washington delivers a tariff gut punch: U.S. hikes reciprocal duties on Chinese goods from 34% to 84% to 125% —as China retaliates - here’s what Customs professionals must know now.

From 10% to 145% in under two months

U.S. and China flags with fiery background, displaying percentages 34%, 84%, and 125%. Intense, competitive atmosphere. — Escalating Tensions: U.S. Increases Tariffs on Chinese Goods to 125% Amid Retaliation Concerns.

On 9 April 2025, the U.S. administration made a significant change in the global trade arena. With a single signature, President Trump enacted an Executive Order that raised reciprocal tariffs on most goods from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from 34% to a staggering 84%, further increasing to 125% just 24 hours later. This is in addition to the previous 10% and then 20% tariffs imposed on China in the preceding months. Altogether, the effective tariff rate has reached 145% with no indication of easing.

Whether you’re a Customs Consultant, Trade Compliance Manager, or a global importer/exporter, this update demands your immediate attention. As with any decision by President Trump, it is COMPLICATED.

Given the rapidly changing situation, we will cover this development in three parts and address the following questions:

PART 1: 34%
- What action did the U.S. take on 2 April regarding reciprocal tariffs and China?
- Background: What additional duty was previously imposed on China?
- Are duty-free de minimis shipments from China affected?
- How did China respond to the new reciprocal U.S. tariffs?
- What is the size of the trade deficit between the U.S. and China?
PART 2: 84%
- What was the U.S. response on 8 April 2025?
- What exactly changed on 9 April 2025?
- What products are affected by the new U.S. tariff increase?
- How did China react to the U.S. raising the tariff to 84%?
PART 3: 125%
- Latest Guidance by U.S. Customs

We also offer you extensive options to download official documents for your work, such as CBP CSMS and announcements from the Chinese Ministries.

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Downloads

PART 1 :34%

PART 2: 84%

PART 3: 125%

CBP Guidance on increase of tariffs to 125%

“This tariff hike is more than just a duty change—it’s a strategic signal. U.S. policy is shifting from defensive to confrontational. The time to reassess your global sourcing strategy is now.”– Arne Mielken, Managing Director, Customs Manager

Abbreviations Used In This Blog

CBP – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
HTSUS – Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
PRC – People’s Republic of China
EO – Executive Order
IEEPA – International Emergency Economic Powers Act
De Minimis – A shipment valued below a set threshold (usually $800), previously duty-free

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PART I: 34%

I.1: US Action

What action did the U.S. take on 2 April as regards recipical tariffs and China?

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