**Trump Defends 145% China Tariffs, Claims Beijing Will Absorb Costs as US Consumers Feel the Pinch**
President Donald Trump doubled down on his aggressive trade policies this week, defending the administration’s 145% tariffs on Chinese imports as “deserved” while asserting Beijing would “probably eat” the economic costs. In a Tuesday interview with ABC News, Trump framed the near-embargo-level duties as a corrective measure against China’s “$1 trillion annual rip-off” of the U.S., though early price hikes at retailers like Temu and Shein suggest American consumers may shoulder significant burdens[^1][^4].
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### 🔥 **Tariffs as Economic Warfare**
Trump’s remarks follow his April 2025 executive order imposing a **universal 10% base tariff** on all imports and reciprocal rates exceeding **100% for China**. The policy, now in its most severe phase, includes a **90% de minimis duty** on small parcels from China—a direct hit to e-commerce giants like Temu, which has already passed most tariff costs to U.S. buyers[^4]. Fast-fashion rival Shein raised prices for its top 100 beauty and health products by **51%** last week, with some items more than doubling in cost ahead of the May 1 duty hike[^1].
> **“They deserve it,”** Trump said of China, dismissing concerns about consumer impacts. **“That’s good.”**
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### 🤝 **Negotiation Hints vs. Hardline Reality**
While senior officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, suggested China faces **“unsustainable” losses**—including up to **10 million jobs**—the administration has yet to initiate formal talks[^1]. Trump’s mixed signals further cloud the outlook: last week, he hinted at a **five-year tariff phase-down** if China cooperates, only to later declare his levies nonnegotiable without concessions[^1][^4].
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### 📉 **Global Trade Repercussions**
The tariffs have transformed U.S.-China trade dynamics:
– **Pre-2025 baseline**: ~20% average tariffs[^4]
– **April 2025 rates**: 145% on most Chinese goods, **84% reciprocal duties** from China[^4]
– **Small-parcel costs**: $75/item fee starting May 1, rising to $150 by June[^4]
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### 💡 **Why This Matters for Markets**
The standoff creates a lose-lose scenario: **China’s exporters** face collapsed margins, while **U.S. retailers** using Chinese suppliers—particularly in electronics, textiles, and machinery—must choose between absorbing costs or risking consumer backlash. With no talks scheduled, analysts warn of prolonged disruptions to **global supply chains** and inflationary pressure on everyday goods[^3][^4].
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**SEO Keywords**: Trump China tariffs 2025, US-China trade war update, Shein Temu price hikes, Scott Bessent China jobs, de minimis tariff increase.
[^1]: ABC News interview, White House statements
[^3]: Wikipedia tariff documentation
[^4]: China Briefing analysis (April 2025)
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**Meta Description**: President Trump defends 145% China tariffs as “deserved,” but Shein and Temu price hikes show U.S. consumers paying the price. Latest updates on the 2025 trade war.
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**Engagement Prompt**: “Will the tariffs force China to negotiate, or will Main Street bear the brunt? Share your take below.”
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