On Monday, US President Donald Trump warned of significantly higher tariffs on Chinese imports if Beijing failed to drop its retaliation plans. He also stated that Washington would initiate talks with other nations interested in negotiations.
According to the White House, the new measures would add to the already high US tariffs set to take effect on Wednesday, raising the overall rate to a steep level, AFP reported.
“If China does not withdraw its 34 percent increase above their already long term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50 percent, effective April 9th,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.
As part of a broader plan to impose “reciprocal” tariffs on countries with which the United States has large trade deficits, Trump last week unveiled a 34 percent additional tariff on China, taking effect Wednesday.
Beijing has announced counter-tariffs mirroring Washington’s, set to take effect on April 10. These will be added to China’s existing duties.
In addition, the world’s second-largest economy has rolled out other countermeasures, including export restrictions on rare earth elements.
Since returning to office, Trump has imposed a 20 percent tariff hike on Chinese imports, citing Beijing’s alleged involvement in the fentanyl supply chain.
With a 34 percent rate set to begin and a new 50 percent threat looming, total added tariffs this year could reach 104 percent, according to the White House via AFP.
The White House noted that this new rate builds on Trump-era tariffs, most of which were maintained and expanded by former President Joe Biden in specific sectors.
On social media Monday, Trump slammed China’s economic tactics, accusing it of using “non-monetary tariffs” and “illegally subsidizing companies.” He added that “all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated.”
But “negotiations with other countries, which have also requested meetings, will begin taking place immediately,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
