As US-China Trade War Escalates, President Cites ‘Lack of Respect’ From Beijing While Easing Tariff Pressure on Negotiating Nations
Washington DC, April 10: Amid intensifying trade tensions that have roiled global markets, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced an immediate increase in tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, marking a dramatic escalation in the ongoing tariff war between the United States and China.
The move came in direct response to Beijing’s decision to hike tariffs on US imports from 34% to 84%, effective April 10. In a strongly worded post on Truth Social, Trump accused China of showing a “lack of respect” toward global trade norms.
“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the tariff charged to China… to 125%, effective immediately,” Trump stated. “China must realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A. and other countries are no longer sustainable or acceptable.”
In contrast to his hardline stance on China, Trump also announced a 90-day “pause” on tariff hikes and a temporary 10% reciprocal tariff for over 75 countries currently engaged in trade negotiations with the U.S., including India. He cited the non-retaliatory stance of these countries as the reason behind the concession.
“These countries have not, at my strong suggestion, retaliated… and for that, I have authorized a 90-day PAUSE and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff of 10%, effective immediately,” Trump said.
This latest tariff volley is the culmination of a week-long escalation that began when the US increased tariffs on Chinese goods to 104%, prompting China’s retaliatory move. Trump then threatened another 50% hike, which has now materialized with the 125% tariff.
Analysts warn that the spiraling tariff war could further destabilize global trade, strain diplomatic relations, and impact ongoing trade talks with allies and economic partners.