President Donald J. Trump has issued an executive order to dramatically increase tariffs on goods imported from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in response to China’s retaliatory tariffs.
The order, titled “Amendment to Reciprocal Tariffs and Updated Duties as Applied to Low-Value Imports from the People’s Republic of China,” was issued under the authority of the Constitution and various laws, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Trade Act of 1974.
READ: EPA Administrator Zeldin Supports Trump’s Coal Agenda, Reverses Biden-Era Regulations
The order references a previous Executive Order (14257) from April 2, 2025, in which President Trump declared a national emergency due to persistent U.S. trade deficits and imposed reciprocal tariffs. That order also included a provision (Section 4(b)) allowing for further tariff modifications if trading partners retaliated.
China, through the State Council Tariff Commission, announced on April 4, 2025, that it would impose a 34 percent tariff on all goods imported from the U.S. in response to Executive Order 14257.
In response to China’s retaliation, President Trump has ordered an increase in tariffs on goods from the PRC.
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) is modified to increase the tariff rate from 34% to 84%. This increase applies to goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouses for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on April 9, 2025.
READ: Florida Sen. Moody Slams FOIA Obstruction, Cites Lawsuits Against Biden Admin
To prevent circumvention of the increased tariffs, the order also increases the ad valorem duty rate and per-postal item duties on low-value imports from the PRC.
President Trump states that these modifications are “necessary and appropriate to effectively address the threat to the national security and economy of the United States.”
The order directs various officials, including the Secretaries of Commerce and Homeland Security, and the United States Trade Representative, to take all necessary actions to implement the order, including modifying regulations and notices. They are authorized to use presidential powers granted by IEEPA to carry out the order.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
