Trump threatens 50% additional tariff on China amid escalating trade war
Shreedhar Rathi | Apr 07, 2025, 23:58 IST
( Image credit : AP )
President Trump has escalated trade tensions with China, threatening a 50% tariff increase if Beijing doesn't retract its retaliatory measures by April 8, 2025. This ultimatum follows China's 34% tariff response to new U.S. trade policies, potentially leading to a 54% tax on Chinese imports.
President Donald Trump intensified his trade offensive on Monday, threatening to impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports unless Beijing backs off its newly enacted retaliatory measures against U.S. exports.
The warning, issued via a post on Trump’s Truth Social account, comes just days after China levied a 34% retaliatory tariff in response to the sweeping new U.S. trade policy. Trump’s proposed hike would effectively push tariffs on Chinese goods to historic levels, escalating an already volatile trade standoff.
“If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long-term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th,” Trump wrote. “Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated!”
Markets reacted swiftly to the announcement, which adds to mounting concerns over global economic stability. Trump's baseline tariff of 10% on all imports went into effect Saturday, while reciprocal tariffs targeting countries like China and members of the European Union are set to begin Wednesday.
The administration has already applied a 20% tariff on Chinese goods. Combined with China's retaliatory measures and the proposed additional tariff, imports from China could soon face an effective 54% tax.
Trump defended the aggressive trade stance, claiming it was necessary to reset what he described as decades of unfair trade practices.
“These tariffs are long overdue,” he said. “America’s workers have paid the price while other countries took advantage of our open markets. We’re not playing that game anymore.”
Despite the hardline message directed at China, Trump signaled a willingness to engage in discussions with other international partners affected by the tariffs.
“Negotiations with other countries, which have also requested meetings, will begin taking place immediately,” he wrote, suggesting a more diplomatic posture toward allies and trade partners not involved in the China dispute.
The White House has not yet confirmed which nations will participate in the talks, nor whether any exemptions to the new tariffs will be considered.
The dramatic tariff hikes represent a central component of Trump’s renewed push to prioritize American manufacturing, a theme that played a key role in his reelection campaign. Critics, however, warn that such policies risk sparking a global trade war that could raise prices for U.S. consumers and disrupt supply chains.
Trump remained firm in his conviction, telling reporters last week, “Sometimes you have to take medicine to get better. This is about restoring balance and making sure we’re not the ones always playing defense.”
As the April 8 deadline looms, all eyes are on Beijing to see whether China will back down—or whether Trump’s threat will trigger a deeper economic confrontation between the world’s two largest economies.
The warning, issued via a post on Trump’s Truth Social account, comes just days after China levied a 34% retaliatory tariff in response to the sweeping new U.S. trade policy. Trump’s proposed hike would effectively push tariffs on Chinese goods to historic levels, escalating an already volatile trade standoff.
“If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long-term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th,” Trump wrote. “Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated!”
Trade Tensions Roil Global Markets
The administration has already applied a 20% tariff on Chinese goods. Combined with China's retaliatory measures and the proposed additional tariff, imports from China could soon face an effective 54% tax.
Trump defended the aggressive trade stance, claiming it was necessary to reset what he described as decades of unfair trade practices.
“These tariffs are long overdue,” he said. “America’s workers have paid the price while other countries took advantage of our open markets. We’re not playing that game anymore.”
Opening the Door to Other Negotiations
“Negotiations with other countries, which have also requested meetings, will begin taking place immediately,” he wrote, suggesting a more diplomatic posture toward allies and trade partners not involved in the China dispute.
The White House has not yet confirmed which nations will participate in the talks, nor whether any exemptions to the new tariffs will be considered.
Strategic Gamble
Trump remained firm in his conviction, telling reporters last week, “Sometimes you have to take medicine to get better. This is about restoring balance and making sure we’re not the ones always playing defense.”
As the April 8 deadline looms, all eyes are on Beijing to see whether China will back down—or whether Trump’s threat will trigger a deeper economic confrontation between the world’s two largest economies.