In a significant move on Friday, China announced a sharp increase in tariffs on imports from the United States, raising rates to as high as 125%. This is a direct response to the recent trade measures implemented by President Donald Trump's administration. China's message to Trump was clear: pressure tactics will not lead to dialogue.
This decision adds another chapter to the escalating trade war between these two global powers. Despite the tensions, China has maintained a diplomatic approach. The Asian giant has stated it will not raise tariffs beyond 125%, citing economic nonsense and refusing to engage in what it sees as absurdity.
According to a statement, the new tariffs have already eliminated a viable market for U.S. products in China, making any further increases economically pointless and "irrelevant." Such actions, they argue, will be "mocked in the annals of world economic history," as reported by news agency EFE.
The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council confirmed that the measure will take effect on April 12. They criticized Washington's policy—raising tariffs on Asian products by 145%—as a "severe violation of international trade norms" and labeled it as "coercive and bullying tactics."
The tariff battle between the U.S. and China has reached unprecedented levels. According to documents leaked from the White House and cited by American media, Chinese imports are now facing cumulative tariffs of 145%. The most recent U.S. tariff hike excluded China from a 90-day tariff truce granted to other trade partners, prompting an immediate response from Beijing.
In a direct message to the Trump administration, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that if the United States seeks to resolve issues through dialogue, it must abandon its maximum pressure strategy. "China has never accepted coercion. We do not desire a trade war, but we do not fear one either," Lin asserted.
Lin also highlighted that China's countermeasures aim not just to protect its legitimate interests but also to uphold global order, fairness, and the rights of all countries against U.S. unilateralism.
The decision by Trump to exclude China from the tariff truce was met with strong criticism from Beijing, accusing Washington of undermining any balanced negotiation attempts. "Dialogue must be based on equality and mutual respect, not imposition," Lin reiterated.
This latest round of tariffs comes amid increasing geopolitical and economic tensions between the two nations, threatening further destabilization of global trade. International bodies have warned about the prolonged effects of a relentless trade war. China has made it clear: it will not back down and is "prepared to see this through to the end" if the U.S. maintains its current stance.
Understanding the U.S.-China Trade Conflict
What prompted China to increase tariffs on U.S. imports?
China raised tariffs on U.S. imports in response to the trade measures implemented by the Trump administration, which increased tariffs on Chinese goods.
How did China respond to the exclusion from the U.S. tariff truce?
China responded with criticism and emphasized that dialogue should be based on equality and mutual respect, not coercion, highlighting its readiness to defend its interests.
What are the potential impacts of the escalating trade war?
The ongoing tariff increases and trade tensions threaten to destabilize global trade, with potential repercussions for economies worldwide.