President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to Beijing, threatening to impose an additional 50% tariff on all Chinese imports if the Chinese government does not step back from what he called its “manipulative trade practices.”
Speaking from Florida, Trump accused China of flooding U.S. markets with subsidized goods, undercutting American industries and weaponizing trade to weaken the U.S. economy. The proposed tariff hike would come on top of the sweeping “Liberation Day” tariff package unveiled last week, which already includes a 10% universal tariff and higher targeted tariffs on countries like China, Canada and Mexico.
Trump’s move escalates tensions in an already volatile global trade environment and comes as Chinese state media signals possible retaliation, including potential restrictions on U.S. agriculture and tech sectors.
The Hill reports:
Trump’s threat is the latest tit-for-tat between the U.S. and China in the last week. The White House last Wednesday announced it would impose a 34 percent tariff on Chinese imports as part of “reciprocal” tariffs against dozens of countries.
Beijing responded by announcing a 34 percent tariff on American imports, leading to Trump’s warning on Monday.
Trump said in a post on Truth Social that China made the move, “despite my warning that any country that Retaliates against the U.S. by issuing additional Tariffs, above and beyond their already existing long term Tariff abuse of our Nation, will be immediately met with new and substantially higher Tariffs, over and above those initially set.”
“Therefore, if China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th,” Trump added. “Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated!”
Trump stated that negotiations with other countries would begin “immediately.”
White House officials say the tariffs are intended to pressure China into a more equitable trade deal and stop what they describe as “economic warfare” against American workers.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
