Trump Threatens Major Tariff Hike on China Amid Escalating Trade Tensions

 

Trump Threatens Major Tariff Hike on China Amid Escalating Trade Tensions

                              

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On April 7, 2025, Donald Trump stated he plans to significantly increase tariffs on Chinese goods—by an additional 50%—if China doesn't reverse its newly imposed 34% duties on U.S. exports. If enforced, this would bring total tariffs on Chinese products up to 104%.

Trump made it clear that he won’t back down, saying the U.S. “can’t afford to be foolish anymore” when it comes to trade. He views these tariffs as a necessary response to what he sees as unfair economic practices by China.

China has pushed back strongly, warning that it would retaliate if the U.S. follows through. This back-and-forth has rattled financial markets, causing a sharp drop in the Dow Jones before it partially recovered.

Economists are warning that the escalating tariff battle could fuel inflation and push the U.S. closer to a recession. Still, Trump insists that staying tough on China will pay off in the long run.

                   

  China Vows to "Fight to the End" Against U.S. Tariff Threats

Here’s a paraphrased version of China’s official response to Trump’s tariff threat:

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China’s Ministry of Commerce firmly rejected President Trump’s planned tariff hike, calling it “unilateral bullying.” In a strong statement, the ministry said China will “fight to the end” to defend its national interests and will not yield to what it described as U.S. blackmail. They accused the U.S. of making repeated mistakes and warned that escalating trade pressure would only deepen tensions.