Trump raises Chinese tariffs to 125%

Washington, DC: “Someone has to do that,” U.S. President Donald Trump defended his decision to raise Chinese tariffs to 125% on Wednesday (local time).

When the president met with Roger Penske’s NASCAR, Indy and IMSA champions at the White House, he stressed that no other U.S. leader would take such a bold stance, stressing that it is necessary because the previous trade imbalance with China is “unsustainable.”

He noted that in the past year, China’s trade with the United States made $1 trillion, and he “turned around” through his aggressive tariff strategy.

“Well, I think people jump a little bit. No other president will do what I do… Someone has to do that. It has to stop because it’s not sustainable. Last year, China got $1 trillion in trade with the United States… Now I’ve overturned.”
President Trump said of the 90-day pause of reciprocity tariffs on more than 75 countries: “I did 90-day pauses for people who didn’t retaliate because I told them whether to retaliate and we will double it.

He expressed confidence that the U.S. long-term trade situation “surprisingly resolved”, adding that by the end of the year or may soon, the country will reach a deal “with the possibility that no one will dream of.”

The president also addressed the EU’s trade situation, claiming that the EU is unfair to the United States.

“Everyone will have an agreement with everyone, and it will be a fair deal … they are not fair to the United States. They are attracting us dryness, you can’t do that … people use our country and strip us us for decades.”

In his speech, President Trump also praised the racing champions for their “courage” in celebrating the career and life of champion racing owner Roger Penske. He quipped at the high speed of the NASCAR machine: “These are great champions, it’s a great sport.”

Trump also recalls riding in the U.S. presidential armored limousine The Beast, which described the “crazy” of the crowd in the car before the Daytona 500.

“I wouldn’t ride that thing if you paid me,” he joked further, referring to the IndyCar machine.

Earlier, President Trump announced that China’s tariffs were immediately raised to 125%, while announcing that for 75 countries calling on U.S. representatives to conduct trade talks, he had authorized 90-day “pauses” and lower reciprocity tariffs.

As Al Jazeera reported, this is after China’s retaliatory move, announcing its tariffs on U.S. goods to 84% from April 10.

The decision was proposed 104% after President Trump began a “extra 50% tariff” threat in Beijing on Wednesday.

Trump announced a 50% tariff on China after Beijing announced a 34% tariff on the U.S. in a response from Tit-Tat.