No. The White House’s “up to 245%” figure, published April 15, 2025, described a maximum combined tariff burden on some Chinese imports—not a new rate applied uniformly to everything imported from China. The administration later changed separate tariff measures: in November 2025 it continued suspending the heightened reciprocal duty through November 10, 2026, and reduced a separate fentanyl-related duty to 10%, effective November 10, 2025.
What the 245% figure meant
On April 15, 2025, a White House fact sheet stated that “China faces up to a 245% tariff on imports to the United States as a result of its retaliatory actions.” The same fact sheet described the figure as combining three distinct measures: a 125% reciprocal tariff, a 20% tariff addressing fentanyl, and Section 301 tariffs of 7.5% to 100% on specific goods. White House fact sheet, April 15, 2025.
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“Up to” and “on specific goods” are essential qualifications. The 245% was the administration’s stated maximum combined figure for some imports; it was not one newly imposed, across-the-board rate for all Chinese products. The components came from separate tariff measures with different coverage.
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The April 2025 headline figure should not be treated as the current general rate. Two November 4, 2025 executive orders changed separate components of the tariff picture:
- Reciprocal tariffs: Executive Order 14358 continued the suspension of heightened reciprocal tariffs on imports from China through 12:01 a.m. EST on November 10, 2026. During that suspension, the order describes an additional 10% ad valorem reciprocal duty. It also says the President may modify the order if China does not implement its commitments. Executive Order 14358, November 4, 2025.
- Fentanyl-related duty: Executive Order 14357 reduced the separate additional duty addressing the synthetic opioid supply chain from 20% to 10%, effective November 10, 2025. Executive Order 14357, November 4, 2025.
These measures are distinct. The 10% reciprocal rate during the suspension is not the same duty as the separate 10% fentanyl-related rate. Nor do these figures, by themselves, establish the complete tariff bill for any particular shipment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to interpret a tariff claim about a specific product
A product’s total tariff treatment depends on its classification and which measures apply to it. The White House’s April 2025 fact sheet gives a broad maximum and a range for Section 301 duties on specified goods; it does not calculate the full duty for every product. For a particular import, the country-level 245% headline is therefore not a reliable substitute for checking the product’s classification and applicable tariff measures.
The USTR Presidential Tariff Actions page provides a chronology of China-related presidential actions and trade materials. For the rates and effective periods discussed here, the relevant executive-order text is the more direct source. The Congressional Research Service timeline records earlier changes, including the April 2025 increase and May reduction, but reflects actions only through July 28, 2025; it is historical context, not current tariff guidance.
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