WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest tariff hike on Chinese imports took effect Thursday, pushing the total additional duties on many Chinese goods to a staggering 145 percent, the White House confirmed.

The sharp increase comes as part of Trump’s intensified trade stance against China, even as he issued a 90-day suspension on new tariffs for dozens of other countries, according to a newly released White House directive.

The new tariff adds a 125 percent duty on top of a previous 20 percent surcharge implemented earlier this year, which was linked to China's alleged role in the U.S. fentanyl crisis. The cumulative effect raises the total tariff burden on certain Chinese goods to 145 percent — the highest in recent years.

However, the 125 percent hike does not apply across the board. Key sectors such as steel, aluminum, and automobiles remain subject to separate 25 percent tariffs under earlier measures. Additionally, a range of products including copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber, and energy supplies are currently excluded — though the administration has hinted at future action targeting these sectors as well.

The result is a complex and uneven tariff landscape that underscores the growing economic friction between Washington and Beijing. While the administration frames the move as a necessary response to unfair trade practices, critics warn it could escalate tensions and further disrupt global supply chains.