WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Beijing, threatening to impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports unless China retracts its planned retaliatory measures.
This move, announced via his Truth Social account on Monday, comes on top of a 34% tariff already set to take effect on April 9, potentially pushing total additional tariffs on Chinese goods this year to a staggering 104%, according to the White House.
“If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long-term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8, the US will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9,” Trump stated.
The tariff escalation is part of Trump’s broader agenda to impose “reciprocal” tariffs on countries with significant trade surpluses with the US. The 34% hike announced last week already triggered a matching countermeasure from Beijing, set to take effect on April 10, along with additional export controls on rare earth elements.
Since returning to office, Trump has also levied 20% duties on Chinese imports in response to China’s alleged involvement in the fentanyl supply chain.
The White House confirmed that these new tariffs would compound earlier duties imposed during Trump’s first term, most of which were maintained by President Joe Biden, with additions in specific sectors.
In his post, Trump accused China of “non-monetary tariffs” and “illegal subsidisation” of its companies. He further announced that all discussions with China would be suspended, although the US would proceed with negotiations with other nations that have requested trade talks.–AFP
