The announcement on the White House website on American time on the 15th, which was this morning in Beijing time, caught the attention of some Chinese people. There was a sentence in it saying, "Due to China's retaliatory actions, Chinese goods exported to the U.S. are now facing tariffs as high as 245%." Isn't it 145%? How did it suddenly become 245%? Did the U.S. suddenly add another 100% tariff? Trump's indiscriminate imposition of tariffs has made the tax rates very complicated. It is almost a muddle how much in tariffs the U.S. currently levies on various types of Chinese products. [Image: White House website screenshot.] However, the highest 245% tariff doesn't seem to be a new statement. An article in The New York Times on April 12th said that due to constantly changing trade rules, in certain cases, tariffs can be stacked. The newspaper gave an example: the tariff rate for syringes and needles from China ranks among the highest, and with the additional 100% tariff imposed on them before 2025, the total tariff can reach up to 245%. Generally speaking, if Trump imposes new tariffs on China, he will boast about it loudly to show off his power. Last Friday, the U.S. exempted "reciprocal tariffs" on mobile phones, computers, and other electronic products, but they did so quietly. It is widely believed that this also includes exempting tariffs on similar products made in China, but the Trump administration did not publicly confirm it. In other words, when Trump swings the big stick, he boasts about it; when he retreats, he does so quietly. This has become his style and habit. The announcement on the White House website outlines the current situation of the trade war. It is lengthy and only briefly mentions this sentence in the middle. It is more likely that it refers to the same thing as The New York Times' previous analysis of the "245% tariff on Chinese products." Western mainstream media have not reported on this announcement from the White House. [Image: Summary diagram from The New York Times.] On Tuesday and Wednesday Beijing time, there were no new tariff actions by the U.S., and they should have used up all their tariff cards against China. Throwing out the highest 245% tariff at midnight on Wednesday Beijing time was specifically intended to scare investors before and during the opening of the Chinese A-share market. Trump's team often does this. They make tough remarks before and during the opening of the Chinese A-share market to pressure it, while before and during the opening of the U.S. stock market, they say seemingly comforting words. In fact, the substance is the same, but they reorganize and spin it from different angles to create what appear to be different smokescreens, aiming to boost U.S. stocks while打压Chinese stocks. They are engaging in a "gangster-style information war" with us. Of course, Trump is domineering and unpredictable. It cannot be ruled out that he will impose another 100% tariff on all Chinese products in the future, making the tariff number game even more exaggerated. However, given that the current tariff on Chinese goods has already reached 145%, continuing to increase it no longer has any practical economic significance. It will only make the world see that the White House has "gone mad," with no cards left, resorting to random tariff numbers to bluff. Empty threats are exactly what this posturing refers to. Trump's tariff cards have been played out, and China's firm countermeasures have taken shape. Now, they are the ones who are suffering the most, painfully stuck between a rock and a hard place. Let them reap what they sow. Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7493895121604395560/ Disclaimer: This article represents the author's personal views. Please express your attitude by clicking the 'Like/Dislike' buttons below.