Trump Imposes 104% Tariff on China Following Failed Deadline, Intensifying Trade Tensions
The Trump administration has escalated its trade war with China by imposing a significant 104% tariff on Chinese imports. This decision came after Beijing missed a Tuesday deadline to lift retaliatory tariffs, further straining U.S.-China relations. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the new tariffs would take effect at midnight on April 9, 2025. President Trump remains steadfast in his approach, accusing China of failing to negotiate in good faith and asserting that the country desires a deal but is not yet willing to make the necessary compromises.
The latest tariff hike builds on Trump’s previous plans to impose heavy duties on Chinese goods. The move follows China’s earlier decision to retaliate against U.S. tariffs by imposing a 34% tariff on American imports. Leavitt emphasized that Trump’s stance is to respond decisively when the U.S. is challenged, underlining his administration’s strategy of “punching back harder” in the trade conflict. Despite this, Leavitt left open the possibility for future negotiations with China, should President Xi Jinping seek a deal.
On the global stage, the U.S. trade actions have garnered mixed reactions. While some countries have called for better trade terms, China has strongly rejected the proposed tariffs, labeling them as “unilateral bullying” and accusing the U.S. of attempting to “blackmail” the country. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce vowed to take countermeasures to safeguard its interests and maintain global trade stability. These tensions come amid the Trump administration’s broader push to address what it sees as China’s non-market practices and unfair trade advantages in key industries.
Trump’s resolve on tariffs remains firm despite appeals for tariff relief from other trading partners. In a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump made it clear that he was not considering any tariff reductions. However, he indicated that he remains open to negotiating fair deals with other countries, signaling that his aggressive trade policies are a core component of his economic strategy.
Source: Naira metrics