Donald Trump has threatened China with an additional 50% in tariffs, escalating trade tensions and impacting the economies of the United States and the world.
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced a major increase in tariffs on imported goods from China, warning that they could rise by an additional 50% if Beijing does not lift its retaliatory measures before April 8.
The move marks a new chapter in the trade war between the two powers and raises concerns about its effects on the global economy.
In a message posted on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated: “If China does not remove its 34% increase, along with its long-term trade abuses, by April 8, 2025, the United States will impose an additional 50% tariff on China, effective April 9.”
He added that, if this condition is not met, all bilateral trade negotiations requested by Beijing would be suspended.
The Republican leader criticized China for imposing 34% tariffs on U.S. imports, which he described as adding to “their record tariffs, illegal subsidies to companies, and long-term currency manipulation.” Trump emphasized that any country retaliating against the United States with tariffs will immediately face substantially higher tariffs on top of existing ones.
The escalation began on April 2, when Trump launched a global trade war by announcing minimum tariffs of 10%, reaching up to 34% on certain Chinese products.
Combined with previous levies, total U.S. tariffs on China now reach 54%. Beijing responded, stating that pressure and threats are not the proper way to deal with China.
China said it still has tools to protect its economy, including adjustments to required reserve ratios and official interest rates. The People’s Bank of China could also resort to fiscal expansion, special bond issuance, and extraordinary debt measures if necessary.
The Xi Jinping administration announced it would impose a 34% tariff on all imports from the United States starting April 10 and immediately restrict exports of seven types of rare earths, crucial for tech industries. State media agency Xinhua confirmed that China will take “decisive measures” to defend its sovereignty and economic interests.
Analysts warn that the intensification of the trade war could hinder global economic recovery and disrupt exports from China to the United States, just as the Chinese economy was beginning to show signs of stabilization in early 2025.
