China, in his words · Second term · № 108

On China

Raised the China tariff to 125%, citing its "lack of respect" and "ripping off the U.S.A."

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World's Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately. At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable.”
Said
, Post on Truth Social (@realDonaldTrump)
Subject
125% tariff
Threat
Economic threat
Topic
Trade & tariffs
Era
Second term

What the record showed

Under the May 12, 2025 Geneva joint statement, the United States agreed to remove the 125 percent rate by May 14 and keep a 10 percent reciprocal duty on Chinese goods. After the October 30, 2025 Busan meeting the White House said that suspension would run until November 10, 2026. On February 20, 2026 the Supreme Court held that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorize tariffs; Trump ordered the duties ended that day, and the order noted a separate temporary import surcharge proclaimed the same day. Census Bureau data put the U.S. goods deficit with China at $202.7 billion in 2025, down from $297.0 billion in 2024.

Sources

  1. Truth Social Posts of April 9, 2025 The American Presidency Project, Apr 9, 2025
  2. Joint Statement Between the United States and China on Trade Negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland The American Presidency Project, May 12, 2025
  3. White House Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Strikes Deal on Economic and Trade Relations with China The American Presidency Project, Nov 1, 2025
  4. 24-1287 Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump (02/20/2026) Supreme Court of the United States, Feb 20, 2026
  5. Executive Order 14389—Ending Certain Tariff Actions The American Presidency Project, Feb 20, 2026
  6. Trade in Goods with China U.S. Census Bureau, Sep 2026