By Kavita Mistry 
A fresh wave of speculation has erupted following a White House fact sheet claiming Chinese imports now face up to 245 percent tariffs. Unlike past announcements marked by bold declarations from Donald Trump, this potential hike arrived silently, leaving many to wonder whether it is a significant policy shift or simply a miscommunication.
A Quiet But Sharp Escalation
Typically vocal about trade moves, Trump has stayed silent on this one. The fact sheet does mention a 245 percent tariff, but it is unclear whether this represents a new baseline tariff or a cumulative figure built on earlier duties. Some believe it is not a broad-based tariff on all Chinese goods, but rather the maximum tariff possible when all layers are combined.
Syringes, Fentanyl, and Stacked Tariffs
An example of this stacking effect is visible with Chinese syringes and needles, which now attract the full 245 percent. This figure includes:
- A 100 percent duty imposed by the Biden administration in 2024,
- A 20 percent fentanyl-related import tax, and
- A 125 percent reciprocal tariff likely reinstated by Trump.
Together, these account for the 245 percent duty without necessarily indicating a blanket increase.
China Responds with Caution
The move is expected to escalate US-China trade tensions, already fraught from past tariff wars. China has responded calmly, but firmly. “China does not want trade wars but is not afraid of them,” said spokesperson Lin Jian. Beijing has already retaliated with 125 percent tariffs on US goods and suspended exports of crucial materials like rare earth metals and magnets.
Strategic Sectors May Be Hit
China’s export restrictions could directly affect automobile, aerospace, and defence industries, which depend heavily on these specialized materials. While the US fact sheet blames China’s retaliatory actions for the increased tariffs, it does not offer details, leaving room for more questions than answers.
As of now, no official clarification has been issued by the Trump administration, keeping markets and analysts guessing.