China is refusing to back down in the face of Donald Trump’s latest wave of controversial tariff threats, setting the stage for an intensified trade war between two of the world’s largest economies.
Last week, Trump sparked global backlash by unveiling sweeping new tariffs as part of his campaign to “Make America Wealthy Again.” Under the plan, most U.S. trading partners were slapped with a baseline 10 percent levy over the weekend. An additional 60 countries are bracing for even steeper tariffs, set to take effect on Wednesday, April 9.
In a fiery “Liberation Day” address, Trump singled out the European Union and China as the worst offenders of unfair trade, announcing reciprocal tariffs of 20 percent and 34 percent respectively. These came on top of an earlier 20 percent tariff on Chinese imports imposed earlier this year, amounting to a staggering 54 percent overall increase—reportedly in response to China’s alleged role in fentanyl trafficking.
Labeling China the “biggest abuser of them all,” Trump threatened to escalate further unless Beijing removed its own retaliatory tariffs by Tuesday, April 8. If not, Chinese imports to the U.S. would face an additional 50 percent tax—bringing the total to a potential 104 percent.
But Beijing isn’t blinking.
On Sunday, April 6, China’s government hit back with a threat of its own: a 34 percent counter-tariff on U.S. imports. In a strongly worded statement issued Monday, China’s Commerce Ministry condemned the U.S. measures as “groundless” and a form of “unilateral bullying.”
“The so-called reciprocal tariffs are completely baseless,” the statement read, per The Independent. “These are typical acts of blackmail, and China will never accept them. If the U.S. continues down this path, we will fight to the end.”
The ministry also hinted that more countermeasures are in the pipeline, with Chinese officials vowing to protect their country’s sovereignty, security, and economic development.
At a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian accused the U.S. of “economic coercion” and destabilizing global markets, adding: “Trade wars have no winners. If the U.S. insists on its course of action, China will respond accordingly—no matter the cost.”
Meanwhile, Trump doubled down on his threats via Truth Social on Monday, writing: “If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long-term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th.”
He continued: “Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated!”
The looming escalation could prompt China to redirect its exports to other trading partners, potentially flooding markets with cheaper goods and sidestepping U.S. tariffs. Economists warn the fallout could also mean higher prices for American consumers.
Amid the mounting tensions and turbulent markets, even some of Trump’s allies are urging caution. Billionaire investor Bill Ackman, a longtime Trump supporter, has joined the chorus of business leaders calling for a pause in the president’s tariff plans.
With deadlines fast approaching and rhetoric on both sides hardening, the global economic stakes are only getting higher.
READ MORE
- Democrat calls for Melania Trump to be deported
- Trump brutally blasts China for ‘panicking’ after retaliatory tariffs
