White House Indicates China Will Face (at least) 104% Duties

Apr. 8, 2025
By: David G. Forgue

After “reciprocal tariffs” were announced by the White House, countries around the world took a variety of positions regarding retaliation. China, a particular subject of President Trump’s trade ire since at least 2018, announced it would retaliate with 34% duties on U.S. imports, among other measures.

In an apparent tit-for-tat escalation of the conflict, the White House has announced that it intends to impose retaliation for the retaliation for the reciprocation duties of 50% on Chinese imports, starting at 12:01 a.m. on April 9. With the addition of the retaliation for the retaliation many goods from China will face the MFN duty (i.e. the regular duty they always faced), 20% IEEPA fentanyl duties, 34% IEEPA reciprocal duties, and 50% retaliation for the retaliation duties. This is 104% in duties imposed during the second Trump Administration.

Importantly, many imports from China continue to face Section 301 duties of 25% from first Trump Administration, as expanded during the Biden Administration. To the extent the import is also subject to 301, it would face at least a 129% duty upon entry into the United States.

The details of any additional duties imposed upon imports from China remain in flux. Contact any attorney at Barnes, Richardson & Colburn, LLP to understand how these actions may impact your imports.