Washington DC/IBNS, April 11 -- President Donald Trump's steep tariff hike on Chinese goods took effect on Thursday, bringing the US's additional rate on many products to 145 percent, the White House confirmed.

On Wednesday, Trump announced a 90-day hold on tariffs for all other countries except Beijing. The order came to effect on Thursday.

The US counter-strike was swift, with Trump announcing that he was raising tariffs on China even further- to 125 percent - effective immediately.

But the latest 125 percent figure on China contains some exclusions.

It excludes products like steel and aluminum imports, as well as autos, on which Trump slapped separate 25 percent tariffs under separate regimes.

The high levy does not apply to goods...