China has retaliated against the United States by increasing tariffs on American goods from 84% to 125%. The action follows President Donald Trump’s decision to implement a 145% tariff on certain Chinese imports, further intensifying tensions between the leading global economies.
China criticized the tariffs imposed by Trump, describing the measures as excessively high and asserting that the steps violate international trade rules and economic principles. The country labeled the actions as unilateral acts of bullying and coercion.
President Trump’s comprehensive tariff package on China has now reached a total of 145%, comprising a 125% general tariff and an additional 20% penalty targeting Beijing for its alleged involvement in the U.S. fentanyl crisis. Declared on Thursday, the tariff hike has garnered global attention and provoked an immediate response from Beijing.
Before China’s latest countermeasures, Trump had already increased tariffs on Chinese goods to 104%. In retaliation, China initially imposed an 84% duty on all U.S. imports earlier this week, which was revised to 125% after Washington’s new sanctions.
Trump has justified his tariff strategy as a means to boost U.S. manufacturing by encouraging companies to relocate production domestically. He contends that China is undermining American industries by flooding global markets with inexpensive surplus goods.
China’s new tariffs of 125% on U.S. imports will take effect from April 12, according to China’s Customs Tariff Commission.
World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala cautioned that the intensifying trade conflict might reduce US-China trade by up to 80%, posing serious risks to the global economy.
While implementing additional measures, China maintained its willingness to engage in negotiations to address the issue. On Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that if the U.S. genuinely seeks to resolve matters through dialogue and negotiation, it must abandon its maximum pressure tactics.
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