President Trump threatened an additional 50% tariff on China if Beijing follows through with retaliation plans. The U.S. could see total tariffs on Chinese goods soar to 104% in 2025, escalating global trade tensions. Trump also suspended talks with China, shifting focus to other countries seeking negotiations.
U.S. President Donald Trump escalated tensions with China on Monday, warning that Washington would impose additional tariffs if Beijing proceeds with its retaliation plans. The tariffs could increase by as much as 50% on Chinese imports, further intensifying the trade conflict between the two nations.
Trump’s warning came in response to China’s decision to impose a 34% tariff increase on U.S. goods, a move set to take effect on April 10, 2025. The president emphasized that unless China withdraws its retaliation, the U.S. will proceed with imposing the additional duties, which are scheduled to begin on April 9, 2025.
“If China does not reverse its 34% tariff increase by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose additional tariffs of 50% on Chinese imports,” Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social.
This new threat follows Trump's announcement last week of a 34% tariff on Chinese imports, which was part of his broader strategy to address long-standing trade imbalances with countries, including China. The U.S. already had tariffs in place, but this new round of tariffs would significantly raise the overall cost of Chinese goods coming into the country.
In retaliation, China had also imposed its own set of countermeasures, including export controls on critical resources like rare earth elements, which are crucial for many industries worldwide.
Trump has been vocal in criticizing China’s economic practices, including what he describes as “non-monetary tariffs” and the illegal subsidization of Chinese companies. He has also suggested that talks with China about resolving these trade issues are now off the table.
However, Trump indicated that he would open discussions with other nations seeking trade negotiations, signaling a broader approach to revising global trade policies.
