Beijing [China]: In a significant escalation of the ongoing US-China trade standoff, China announced on Wednesday it will raise tariffs on US goods from 34% to 84%, beginning April 10, in retaliation to the United States imposing a massive 104% tariff on Chinese goods, Al Jazeera reported.
The standoff intensified after US President Donald Trump threatened an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports if Beijing did not withdraw its own 34% hike within 24 hours. Instead, Beijing responded in kind, pushing the tariff level up by a matching 50 points.
The White House, under Trump’s leadership, declared this move as part of a larger strategy to correct what it calls “decades of unfair trade practices” by China that have cost American jobs and hurt domestic industries.
“It was a mistake for China to retaliate. When America is punched, he [Trump] punches back harder,”
— White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a press briefing.
Leavitt further clarified that there would be no delay or extension of the tariffs, which are set to take effect immediately. However, she added that Trump remains open to discussions, stating:
“If China reaches out to make a deal, he will be incredibly gracious.”
According to Leavitt, the tariffs are aimed not only at monetary barriers, but also non-monetary trade restrictions that disadvantage American exporters. Trump’s administration is reportedly seeking to negotiate tailor-made trade deals with countries that proactively reach out to strike new agreements.
Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Commerce condemned the move, calling the tariffs “groundless” and labelling Washington’s actions as “unilateral bullying.” Markets have reacted sharply to the escalating rhetoric and economic brinkmanship.
The rapid back-and-forth marks one of the most volatile trade escalations since the original US-China trade war during Trump’s first term, with broader implications for global trade and supply chains.