Beijing/Washington| China has announced a sweeping escalation in its trade dispute with the United States, imposing an additional 50% tariff on American imports, bringing the total tariff burden on U.S. goods to 84%.
The move comes in direct response to President Donald Trump’s latest tariff hike, which raised duties on all Chinese imports to an unprecedented 104%.
Beijing’s retaliatory measures, unveiled by the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday, are set to take effect at noon on Thursday.
The announcement marks the latest salvo in a rapidly intensifying trade war between the world’s two largest economies, further straining an already fragile global economic environment.
“The U.S.’ practice of escalating tariffs on China is a mistake on top of a mistake,” the Chinese Finance Ministry said in a statement.
“It seriously infringes on China’s legitimate rights and interests and seriously damages the rules-based multilateral trading system.”
The fresh tariff hike follows a series of tit-for-tat moves between Washington and Beijing. In March, the Trump administration imposed a 20% tariff on Chinese imports, followed by an additional 34% last week.
China responded in kind, matching the 34% levy on U.S. goods. Trump then escalated further with a new 50% tariff, bringing the cumulative total on Chinese imports to 104%.
Beijing has not only responded with reciprocal economic measures but has also escalated its legal and regulatory pushback.
China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed it had lodged a formal complaint against the United States with the World Trade Organization (WTO), accusing Washington of violating international trade norms.
Simultaneously, Chinese authorities placed six American firms on the country’s “unreliable entity” list—effectively blacklisting them for alleged activities that “endanger national security.”
Additionally, twelve more U.S. companies have been subjected to new export control restrictions, barring Chinese firms from supplying them with sensitive dual-use technologies and components.
In a separate statement, the Tariff Commission of China’s State Council called on Washington to “immediately correct its wrong practices, cancel all unilateral tariff measures against China, and properly resolve differences through equal dialogue based on mutual respect.”
Despite the economic fallout, both governments appear to be digging in their heels.
Speaking at a National Republican Congressional Committee dinner on Tuesday night, President Trump defended his aggressive tariff strategy, claiming that China had “ripped us off left and right” and imposed “100 percent, 125 percent” duties on U.S. goods in the past.
“The tariffs will stay until they make a deal with us,” Trump declared, signaling no imminent de-escalation.
Chinese officials, however, have characterized the U.S. approach as “economic bullying” and “blackmail,” warning that China will not back down under pressure. “We will fight this trade war to the end,” the Commerce Ministry vowed.
The rapidly escalating tariff war has already rattled financial markets. Global stock indices have taken significant hits in recent days, with estimates suggesting nearly $10 trillion in market value has been wiped out.
Analysts warn that continued escalation could threaten global supply chains, increase consumer prices, and further strain U.S.-China diplomatic relations.
President Trump, while acknowledging the economic turbulence caused by the tariff standoff, insists his administration’s actions are necessary to counter years of unfair trade practices, reduce the trade deficit, and revive domestic manufacturing.
“It’s going to be a little rough,” he said earlier this week, “but in the end, America will come out stronger.”
Whether the two sides can navigate their differences and return to the negotiating table remains uncertain.
For now, both appear committed to a hardline course, with far-reaching implications for the global economy.
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