Washington, D.C. – April 8, 2025
The White House has confirmed that, starting Wednesday, the United States will impose a cumulative 104% tariff on all imports from China. This significant escalation in the ongoing trade dispute follows China’s recent decision to maintain its retaliatory tariffs on American goods, despite prior warnings from the U.S. administration.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Tuesday that because China declined to lift its retaliatory tariffs, the president’s additional 50% tariff, levied on top of previously imposed tariffs of 20% and 34%, will take effect, bringing the total tariff on Chinese goods to 104%.
The trade conflict intensified earlier this year when President Trump increased tariffs on Chinese imports by 10% on February 1, prompting China to retaliate with tariffs on U.S. goods. Subsequent escalations have led to the current situation, with both nations imposing increasingly severe tariffs on each other’s exports.
China has criticized the U.S. measures, labeling them as “blackmail” and vowing to “fight till the end” in response to the escalating tariffs.
The announcement has already impacted global financial markets, with significant volatility and concerns over a potential recession. Economists and financial analysts have expressed apprehension about the broader implications of a prolonged trade war between the world’s two largest economies.
As the new tariffs take effect, businesses and consumers alike are bracing for potential price increases and supply chain disruptions. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, hoping for a resolution that will de-escalate tensions and restore stability to global markets.
