Rabat – China has announced a sweeping new tariff hike on US imports just hours after President Donald Trump followed through on his threat to raise duties on Chinese goods to a staggering 104%.
In a tit-for-tat response, China’s Ministry of Finance revealed that tariffs on American imports will rise to 84%, up from the 34% previously in place, effective Thursday.
The decision is the latest round in a rapidly intensifying trade conflict that has been shaking global markets and raising fears of a wider economic slowdown.
“The US government’s escalation of tariffs on China is a mistake upon a mistake, which severely infringes upon China’s legitimate rights and seriously damages the multilateral trade system based on rules,” said the ministry in a press release.
The move comes after months of growing tensions. In February, Trump imposed a 10% tariff on nearly all Chinese imports. China responded with duties of 10–15% on selected US goods. Washington then raised the rate to 20%.
This was followed by a 54% hike on April 3 as part of Trump’s newly introduced “reciprocal tariff” policy, which was met with China’s 34% retaliatory tariff.
Trump then declared a fresh 50% tariff hike, taking the total levy on Chinese imports to 104%. He cited what he described as China’s refusal to withdraw its “unfair retaliation.”
After China responded with its own drastic measure, Trump took to social media urging American businesses to relocate. “Don’t wait, do it now!” he posted, reiterating a key theme of his 2024 campaign to bring manufacturing back to the US.
“This is a GREAT time to move your COMPANY into the United States of America, like Apple, and so many others, in record numbers, are doing. ZERO TARIFFS, and almost immediate Electrical/Energy hook ups and approvals. No Environmental Delays. DON’T WAIT, DO IT NOW!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Speaking at the Republican National Congressional Committee earlier this week, Trump had accused China of currency manipulation and economic aggression. “Now it’s our turn to do the ripping,” he told the crowd.
As global trade is beginning to feel the impact of the new tariffs, Trump claimed several countries were “kissing my ass” in private attempts to negotiate exemptions from the new tariffs.
Beijing, however, adopted a different approach. The Chinese Commerce Ministry said it “firmly opposes” Washington’s actions and vowed to defend its economic interests.
Meanwhile, economists have warned that a prolonged standoff could destabilize global supply chains and worsen inflation in both countries.
