President Donald Trump escalated trade tensions with China on Monday, announcing via a Truth Social post his intention to impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports if Beijing does not withdraw its recently imposed 34% tariff on U.S. goods by April 8.
In his post, President Trump stated:
“Yesterday, China imposed Retaliatory Tariffs of 34%, in addition to their already record setting Tariffs, Non-Monetary Tariffs, Illegal Subsidization of companies, and massive long term Currency Manipulation, in spite of my notice that any country which Retaliates against the U.S. by imposing additional Tariffs, above and beyond their already existing long term Tariff abuse of our Country, will be immediately met with new and significantly higher Tariffs, over and above those originally set. Therefore, unless China backs down from their 34% increase over their already long-standing trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will levy ADDITIONAL Tariffs upon China of 50%, from April 9th. In addition, all talks with China about their requested meetings with us will be terminated! Talks with the other countries, who have also requested meetings, will begin occurring forthwith!”
The White House confirmed that if implemented, the total tariffs on Chinese goods could reach 104%.
China responded firmly to the U.S. threats. A Foreign Ministry official stated on Tuesday, “China is willing to fight to the end if the U.S. demands a tariff war,” as reported by Reuters. The Commerce Ministry announced it “firmly opposes” the threat and will take action to protect China’s interests if the tariffs proceed. Additionally, the Chinese Embassy in the United States stated on Monday, “China will firmly protect its legitimate rights and interests,” according to CBS News.
China’s Commerce Ministry labeled Trump’s move as “blackmail” and described it as “a mistake on top of a mistake,” as reported by The Guardian. Global markets have declined for three consecutive days since Trump first mentioned the tariff strategy last Wednesday, reflecting investor concerns over the escalating trade conflict.
The ongoing trade dispute between the United States and China has raised fears of a deepening global economic downturn, with both nations showing no signs of backing down.
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