On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose additional, steep tariffs on Chinese imports unless Beijing withdraws its plans for retaliation. He also announced that Washington would begin talks with other nations seeking negotiations.
The new tariffs would be added on top of an already significant U.S. tariff set to take effect Wednesday, pushing the total rate to a prohibitive level, according to the White House.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “If China does not withdraw its 34 percent increase, which is already above their long-standing trading abuses, by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL tariffs of 50 percent on China, effective April 9th.”
This move is part of a broader strategy to impose “reciprocal” tariffs on countries with which the U.S. runs large trade deficits. Last week, Trump unveiled a 34 percent additional tariff on China, set to take effect Wednesday.
In response, Beijing has announced its own countermeasures, matching the U.S. tariff at 34 percent, set to begin on April 10. These will be stacked on top of existing Chinese duties.
China, the world’s second-largest economy, has also implemented other retaliatory actions, including export controls on rare earth elements.
Since regaining the presidency, Trump has already imposed a 20 percent tariff on Chinese imports, citing Beijing’s role in the fentanyl supply chain.
With the new 34 percent rate and the looming 50 percent threat, the total additional tariff on China could reach a staggering 104 percent this year, the White House confirmed.
The White House also noted that these new tariffs would compound the duties from Trump’s first term, many of which were maintained and expanded upon by his successor, President Joe Biden.
Trump criticized Beijing’s economic practices on social media, accusing China of using “non-monetary tariffs” and “illegal subsidization of companies.” He added that “all talks with China regarding their requested meetings will be terminated.”
However, Trump indicated that “negotiations with other countries, who have also requested meetings, will begin immediately.”
AFP
