Washington DC [US]: In a bold move that signals rising tensions in US-China trade relations, the White House announced a 104 per cent tariff on Chinese imports, effective from Wednesday. The move marks a significant escalation in an ongoing trade standoff that has already stirred global markets.
During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt underscored the administration’s uncompromising approach to foreign retaliation, stating:
“It was a mistake for China to retaliate. When America is punched, He punches back harder. That’s why there will be 104 per cent tariffs going into effect on China tonight… If China reaches out to make a deal, he will be incredibly gracious.”
The tariffs are part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration aimed at curbing what it sees as unfair trade practices that have harmed American workers and industries.
Leavitt sharply criticized China’s trade behavior, blaming it for economic disadvantages suffered by U.S. labor and manufacturing sectors:
“President Trump made it very clear that the era of American economic surrender is over. President Trump is no longer going to allow American workers and companies to be ripped off at the hands of foolish trade practices that shift away millions of high-paying jobs and hollow out communities across the country.”
“Countries like China, who have chosen to retaliate and try to double down on their mistreatment of American workers, are making a mistake. President Trump has a spine of steel, and he will not break, and America will not break under his leadership.”
She confirmed that President Trump had no intention of extending or delaying the new tariffs but remained open to dialogue:
“There was no consideration made by President Trump on either extension or delay of the tariffs but that he is willing to pick up the phone and talk.”
Leavitt revealed that interest in negotiations has surged following Trump’s “Liberation Day” announcement on April 2:
“Since the Liberation Day announcement, nearly 70 countries have already reached out to the president to begin a negotiation.”
She added that Trump had instructed his trade team to pursue bespoke agreements with interested nations:
“Trump has directed his trade team to have ‘tailor-made trade deals with each and every country that calls up this administration to strike a deal.’”
Explaining the scope of the new tariffs, Leavitt clarified they address not only monetary duties imposed on U.S. goods but also non-tariff barriers:
“The reciprocal tariff rates that were implemented by country were focused on the monetary tariff that those countries have imposed on the US but also the non-monetary tariff barriers.”
The announcement follows Trump’s Sunday threat to impose an additional 50 per cent tariff hike in response to Beijing’s recent 34 per cent retaliatory duties. The back-and-forth began after Trump introduced reciprocal tariffs on April 2 during his “Liberation Day” address.
Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Commerce condemned the U.S. measures as unjustified and unilateral, labeling them a form of “bullying.”