Duties on China surged to 145% just as fireworks companies were getting their final July Fourth shipments from the country, which makes the vast majority of supplies used in the U.S.

Most Republicans stayed aligned with the White House despite concerns about the economy.

President Trump on Wednesday dismissed concerns about bare store shelves as he spoke about his trade approach with China.

"You don't know whether or not China's going to eat it," Trump said of the potential for tariffs on Chinese goods to increase consumer prices.

Companies like Alibaba that built China’s world-leading online shopping sector are now helping its sellers find markets beyond the United States.