WHITE HOUSE SAYS CHINA FACES UP TO 245 PCT TARIFFS DUE TO ITS RETALIATORY ACTIONS

ISTANBUL, April 16 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The United States (US) announced that China now faces a new tariff up to 245 per cent as a result of its retaliatory measures, according to a statement by the White House on late Tuesday, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

A national security inquiry into vital resource imports has been launched by the White House's latest administrative order, which was revealed on late Tuesday. The order also included explanations for the reciprocal tariffs announced on April 2.

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

"On Day One, President Trump initiated his America First Trade Policy to make America’s economy great again," it said.

"More than 75 countries have already reached out to discuss new trade deals. As a result, the individualised higher tariffs are currently paused amid these discussions, except for China, which retaliated," it added.

"A few months ago, China banned exports to the United States of gallium, germanium, antimony, and other key high-tech materials with potential military applications.

"Just this week, China suspended exports of six heavy rare earth metals, as well as rare earth magnets, in order to choke off supplies of components central to automakers, aerospace manufacturers, semiconductor companies and military contractors around the world."

The statement did not clarify the exact tariff rate China faces but it implied that the tariff rate could go up to 245 per cent.

China increased its tariffs on imports of US goods to 125 per cent last Friday in a tit-for-tat move to Trump, who effectively raised US tariffs on Chinese goods to 145 per cent, while putting a 90-day pause on planned levies for other countries' goods.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU