As Trump ramps up global trade pressure, Chinese imports face steep 104% tariffs in latest escalation of economic conflict
The Trump administration is escalating its trade war with China. A new round of tariffs is set to begin this week.
Starting Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. ET, the U.S. will raise tariffs on Chinese goods to an effective rate of 104%.
This increase combines a 50% new tariff with 34% in reciprocal duties previously imposed. The move reflects worsening U.S.-China trade tensions.
The U.S. Government says these tariffs are a response to unfair Chinese retaliation
The White House says China “made a mistake” by responding to earlier U.S. tariffs. Trump’s team is pushing back hard.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday that the administration would “fight to the end” to protect U.S. interests.
President Trump added that many countries want to negotiate now. He singled out Japan and South Korea as already talking.
Stock markets reacted quickly and sharply to the growing trade conflict
Wall Street was initially upbeat after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested talks could begin.
But markets quickly reversed course. Stocks closed deeply in the red on Tuesday after news of the Chinese retaliation.
Investors are watching closely. Many are worried about long-term economic fallout from the growing trade standoff.
Trump has expanded the scope of tariffs beyond just china
Earlier this month, Trump announced a blanket 10% tariff on all foreign goods entering the U.S.
This move affects imports from 185 countries, described by Trump as “worst offenders” in global trade.
The new tariffs take full effect on April 9. Businesses are already reacting by raising prices to offset rising costs.
U.S. allies like Canada and the EU are preparing their own countermeasures
The global response to Trump’s tariffs has been swift. Some allies are planning their own economic retaliation.
Canada is imposing new tariffs on certain U.S. vehicles. The EU is preparing an initial list of targeted goods.
Roughly 70% of European exports to the U.S. now face a 20% tariff under Trump’s new policy.
The Trump China tariffs mark a dramatic escalation in global trade tensions.
Both supporters and critics agree the stakes are high. American consumers may soon feel the effects in rising prices.
Whether these tariffs will lead to better trade deals or economic disruption remains to be seen.
For now, the message from the White House is clear: the U.S. is done playing nice on trade.
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