A day after US President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imports from across the globe, China has swiftly responded by imposing additional tariffs of 34 percent on all goods originating from the United States. This retaliatory measure, announced by China’s State Council Tariff Commission, significantly escalates the burgeoning trade tensions between the two economic giants and raises the specter of a full-blown global trade war.
The Chinese tariff commission stated that the US actions were “not in line with international trade rules, seriously undermines China’s legitimate rights and interests, and is a typical unilateral bullying practice.” The 34 percent tariff will be applied to all US goods entering China, effective April 10th. This marks the first concrete retaliatory action from any nation, ally or adversary, following Trump’s latest tariff order.
In a further hardening of its stance, Beijing also revealed plans to add 16 US entities to its export control list and classify an additional 11 as “unreliable” entities. The Commerce Ministry in Beijing issued a statement asserting that these export controls are implemented “in accordance with the law” to “better safeguard national security and interests, and to fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation.”
President Trump’s Wednesday announcement included an additional 34 percent “reciprocal tariff” on all Chinese imports,on top of the existing 20 percent duties. Since assuming office in January, Trump had already implemented two rounds of 10 percent additional tariffs on Chinese goods in February and March, citing concerns over illicit fentanyl exports. The latest US tariffs effectively raise the total levy on Chinese imports to over 50 percent.
While China had previously responded to earlier US tariffs with more moderate measures targeting agricultural products, fuel, and select American companies, this latest move signifies a significant escalation.
Despite the escalating economic conflict, President Trump acknowledged his respect for Chinese President Xi Jinping during a briefing, stating, “I have great respect for President Xi, great respect for China, but they were taking tremendous advantage of us. They understand exactly what’s happening and … they’re going to fight.”
China’s forceful retaliation underscores the deepening rift in trade relations and sets the stage for potential further countermeasures and an intensifying global trade landscape.
