Trump threatens 50% tariff hike on China if retaliation not withdrawn by April 8
U.S. President Donald Trump holds a chart as he delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs during an event in the Rose Garden entitled "Make America Wealthy Again" at the White House in Washington, U.S. on April 2, 2025. (AFP Photo)
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to impose a 50% tariff on Chinese imports unless Beijing reverses its latest round of retaliatory measures, escalating trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
“If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long-term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9,” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform.
Trump’s warning came after China announced countermeasures in response to Washington’s latest tariff hike on goods from the world’s second-largest economy.
Since returning to office, Trump has imposed a 20% additional duty on Chinese imports, citing Beijing’s alleged role in the fentanyl supply chain. A new 34% tariff is scheduled to take effect Wednesday, raising the total increase this year to 54%.
It remains unclear how the proposed 50% levy would factor into the existing tariff structure.
China’s response includes export controls on rare earth elements and its own plan for a 34% tariff on U.S. goods, set to begin April 10 on top of existing levies.
Talks with China to be terminated
On Monday, Trump sharply criticized China’s trade practices, referring to its “non-monetary tariffs” and “illegal subsidization of companies.”
He added that “all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated.”
However, Trump said negotiations with other countries that have requested meetings “will begin taking place immediately.”
