In a sharp response to the United States’ announcement of additional tariffs, China’s Ministry of Commerce has strongly condemned the move, calling it a “groundless” and “bullying practice” and warned of firm countermeasures if the escalation proceeds.
On April 7 (Eastern Time), former US President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on Chinese goods starting April 9, unless Beijing reverses its recently announced 34% retaliatory tariffs. The warning came through a post on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, sparking fresh tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
In response, a spokesperson for China’s Commerce Ministry declared,
“If the US insists on imposing these new tariffs, China will resolutely take countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”
China further characterized the new tariffs as a “mistake on top of a mistake”, saying such actions only reflect the “blackmail nature” of US policy. The statement added that China would “fight to the end” if Washington continues down this path.
“There are no winners in a trade war, and protectionism is a dead end,” the spokesperson reiterated, urging the US to cancel all unilateral measures and return to a dialogue based on mutual respect.
Trump’s Warning and Global Fallout
Trump’s announcement follows China’s implementation of 34% retaliatory tariffs, which he labeled a violation of previous warnings and evidence of “long-term trading abuses”. Trump stated:
“If China does not withdraw its 34% increase… the US will impose ADDITIONAL 50% tariffs… and terminate all talks with China.”
Trump also revealed plans for country-specific tariffs targeting major trade deficit nations, including:
- Vietnam (46%)
- Sri Lanka (44%)
- Bangladesh (37%)
- Taiwan (32%)
- Japan (24%)
- India (26%)
- EU (20%)
- UK (10%)
- Israel (17%)
These tariffs are part of his broader “fairness and reciprocity” trade doctrine unveiled after beginning his second presidential term in February 2025.
Global Market Reaction
The escalating tariff war triggered widespread panic in financial markets. Asian stock exchanges opened with heavy sell-offs on Monday, with traders worried about the impact on global trade and economic growth. Market analysts described the move as a “high-voltage blow to global supply chains”, particularly in the electronics and manufacturing sectors.
Background & Outlook
This latest chapter in the US-China trade conflict marks a return to Trump-era hardline trade policies, reigniting fears of a full-blown trade war. Analysts caution that if the tit-for-tat measures continue, they could derail global recovery momentum and complicate diplomatic relations.
While Washington accuses Beijing of currency manipulation, unfair trade practices, and industrial subsidies, China maintains that its responses are legitimate efforts to defend national interests.
As the April 9 deadline looms, all eyes are on whether either side will step back—or whether the world is witnessing the resurgence of a new-age protectionist showdown.