Trump Threatens 50% Tariff on Chinese Imports Over Beijing’s 34% Retaliation
President Trump defends tariff hike, says US debt demands tough new trade deals.
- Trump issues Tuesday deadline for China to reverse its 34% tariff
- Total US tariff on Chinese goods could reach 104% if new threat is enforced
- Beijing condemns move as “economic bullying”
President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to China, threatening to impose a new 50% tariff on Chinese imports unless Beijing drops its recently implemented 34% retaliatory tariff.
This move follows Trump’s earlier “Liberation Day” declaration, which slapped a 34% tariff on Chinese goods and introduced a minimum 10% levy on most U.S. trading partners.
On Monday, Trump gave China a deadline until Tuesday to reverse its counter-tariff or face the full weight of the proposed 50% duty. In response, the Chinese Embassy in Washington condemned the U.S.’s actions as “economic bullying” and vowed to defend its interests.
If the new tariff is enacted, it would push the total levy on some Chinese imports to a staggering 104%, factoring in previous tariffs imposed in March and the recent 34% hike.
Tensions have escalated rapidly, with fears of a deepening trade war between the world’s two largest economies sending shockwaves through global stock markets. Major indices from the U.S. to Asia and Europe suffered sharp losses, though some Asian markets showed modest recovery on Tuesday.
On Truth Social, Trump also announced a freeze on any ongoing talks with China over tariffs, asserting that the U.S. will not pause global tariffs for negotiations. He emphasized that retaliating countries would face “substantially higher tariffs.”
China shot back, labeling Washington’s move as “unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying,” accusing the U.S. of placing “America First” over global trade norms.
Despite the hardline stance, Trump indicated negotiations with multiple countries were set to begin immediately. He held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and mentioned upcoming discussions with Japan and the EU. While EU President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a “zero-for-zero tariff” agreement, she warned that the EU is ready to retaliate if needed.
As global markets reel from the intensifying trade showdown, Trump’s message remains clear: It’s America First — or face the tariffs.
