The US tariff rate on most Chinese imports now amounts to 145%, Washington says, writes Euronews.

US President Donald Trump announced a new levy of 125% on goods from China on Wednesday, but the White House has since clarified that rate is on top of an already existing tariff of 20%. The 20% tariff was previously imposed on the import of Chinese goods for what Trump said was Beijing’s role in the production and supply of fentanyl into the US.

In a lengthy post on his own social media platform, Trump says the decision to impose the additional 125% levy was due to China showing a “lack of respect” to the world’s markets.

The 47th US president added that he is sure Beijing will realise “in the near future” that the days of “ripping off” the United States and other countries are over, adding that their model of business is not fair, sustainable or acceptable.

Trump says that more than 75 countries have contacted US representatives to discuss and negotiate deals following the implementation of his global “reciprocal tariffs”, prior to his U-turn which saw him pause their implementation for 90-days.

China however has remained stern and refused to engage in any form of negotiations with the US, who it accused of being a bully, prompting Trump’s response. China has retaliated with tariffs on US goods of 84%, which took effect on Thursday.