American importers could face an astonishing 104% levy on Chinese goods after United States President Donald Trump threatened further tariff retaliation against its largest trade partner.
Trump took to his platform Truth Social to say that unless China withdraws its own 34% tariff on U.S. goods - a response to being imposed with a 34% reciprocal tariff last week - his administration would hike the measure again by 50%:
“Subsidisation of companies, and massive long term currency manipulation, despite my warning that any country that retaliates against the U.S. by issuing additional tariffs, above and beyond their already existing long term tariff abuse of our nation, will be immediately met with new and substantially higher tariffs, over and above those initially set," Trump wrote.
“Therefore, if China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th.
“Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated! Negotiations with other countries, which have also requested meetings, will begin taking place immediately.”
China's foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said “the U.S. hegemonic move in the name of ‘reciprocity’ serves its selfish interests at the expense of other countries’ legitimate interests and puts 'America first' over international rules”.
"This is a typical move of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying."
Speaking again from the White House, Trump said there could be both permanent tariffs and negotiations.
"We have US$36 trillion debt for a reason," he said, adding that the U.S. would be talking to China, among other countries to make a "fair deal and a good deal".
