Listeners, the latest headlines show the US-China trade war has reached historic intensity throughout 2025 under President Trump’s second term. According to Wikipedia’s timeline on Trump-era tariffs, US duties on Chinese imports have hit staggering highs this year, with baseline rates reaching 145% by mid-April following a cycle of escalation and retaliation. On April 2, Trump declared “Liberation Day” and initiated sweeping reciprocal tariffs of at least 10% on nearly all imports, but China faced rates rising from 34% to 145% within weeks. China responded by matching the escalation with tariffs on American goods—a baseline of 125% by April 11—alongside additional non-tariff barriers such as blacklisting American companies, adding export controls on critical metals, and nearly halting US oil imports.
Bloomberg News reports that Trump began to soften his stance in July, seeking a summit with Xi Jinping and signaling some willingness to negotiate. However, analysts quoted by Asia Times warn trade war chaos is likely to persist in coming months, as Trump continues to threaten further tariff hikes and leverage multiple forms of economic pressure.
You should know that China’s export restrictions on rare earths—that is, vital ingredients in batteries and electronics—have had a major impact on US supply chains. In June, both countries signed an agreement to resume shipments, but Asian trade observers say the deals are shaky and subject to renewed pressure at every new round of negotiations.
Council on Foreign Relations confirms the US paused tariff hikes on some goods throughout May and July for negotiation, dropping rates temporarily to 30% (from 145%) on Chinese imports, and to 10% (from 125%) on US products entering China. Despite these pauses, both sides have linked any further reductions to concessions. China insisted the US must remove its tariffs first, while Trump maintained they would remain until a new agreement was reached.
International Socialist Alternative highlights that economic decoupling is accelerating, with China's US-bound exports for the first eight months of 2025 dropping 15.5% compared to last year. US retailers and business leaders are warning of imminent price hikes and product shortages, with 84% of executives surveyed expressing concern for the US economy’s health under sustained high tariffs.
For listeners tracking sector-specific updates, US steel and aluminum imports from China currently face a 25% tariff, and automobile tariffs stand at 25% as well. The US also terminated the de minimis exemption—items under $800—resulting in rates of up to 54% for small shipments. A proposed sanctions bill could levy 500% tariffs on countries, especially China, for trading with Russia.
Everyone watching this market should be aware these rates and policies continue to shift, but as of October 2025, both the US and China maintain elevated tariffs, ongoing negotiating stances, and ongoing threats of escalation. Thank you for tuning in to China Tariff News and Tracker—don’t forget to subscribe for the latest. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
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