In an unprecedented move, the US raises tariffs on China to 104%, triggering global concerns as Beijing vows to “fight to the end”
April 9, 2025: Washington, D.C.:
In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing trade war, President Donald Trump has officially raised tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 104%, effective immediately. The announcement came late Tuesday night from the White House, following a 24-hour ultimatum Trump had issued to Beijing to roll back its own retaliatory tariffs.
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The move follows China’s decision to impose a 34% duty on US goods, prompting the US President to warn of harsh consequences. Beijing, refusing to budge, termed the threat as “blackmail,” further intensifying the standoff.
From 10% to 104% in Just Days
Just weeks ago, US tariffs on Chinese goods stood at 10%. But citing unfair trade practices and a massive trade deficit, Trump first introduced a “reciprocal tariff” policy last week, adding 34% on top of the original, raising the rate to 44%.
Then came the blanket 10% “baseline” tariff imposed on all imports due to a self-declared national emergency — effectively pushing the rate on Chinese goods to 54%.
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Now, with an additional 50% slapped specifically on China, the total tariff burden has reached a jaw-dropping 104%, a near tenfold increase in under a week.
Yet Trump left the door open for negotiations, writing on Truth Social:
“China also wants to make a deal, badly, but they don’t know how to get it started. We are waiting for their call.”
China’s Stern Warning: “We Will Fight to the End”
Beijing was swift to retaliate in rhetoric, with the Chinese Commerce Ministry calling the US demand to reverse its 34% tariff “a mistake on top of a mistake.”
“The US threat to escalate tariffs is another sign of blackmail. If the US insists on its way, China will fight to the end,” the ministry said in a strongly worded statement.
Markets Rattled, Global Outlook Grim
The intensifying trade tensions have already sent shockwaves through global financial markets, prompting the steepest decline since the COVID-19 era. Economists and analysts warn of severe supply chain disruptions, inflation spikes, and recession risks if the stalemate continues.
With no sign of compromise from either side, the world’s two largest economies now appear locked in a high-stakes economic standoff with global consequences.
Tags:
Donald Trump, US China trade war, China tariffs, Trump tariffs 2025, global markets, Beijing retaliation, White House, international trade, economic war, Truth Social