
Trump Raises Tariffs on China to 104%, Escalating Trade War
President Donald Trump has escalated the ongoing trade war with China by increasing tariffs to a staggering 104%, effective immediately, as announced by the White House on April 8, 2025. This drastic measure follows a series of tit-for-tat tariff impositions between the two economic giants, with limited options left for China to counter this move.
The decision has sent shockwaves through global markets, with stocks reacting sharply to the news. Analysts are concerned about the potential for further economic attrition as both countries dig in their heels. The Trump administration's aggressive stance on trade has been a hallmark of its policy, aiming to reduce the U.S. trade deficit with China and protect American industries.
China, on the other hand, faces a challenging situation with fewer retaliatory options available. The increased tariffs are likely to impact Chinese exporters significantly, potentially leading to a slowdown in its economy. As the trade war intensifies, the world watches anxiously to see how Beijing will respond to this latest escalation.
Related issues news
Does China have tariffs?
China Customs assesses and collects tariffs. Import tariff rates are divided into six categories: general rates, most-favored-nation (MFN) rates, agreement rates, preferential rates, tariff rate quota rates, and provisional rates. As a member of the WTO, imports from the United States are assessed at the MFN rate.
Is a tariff a tax?
A tariff is a duty (a tax) imposed by a national government, customs territory, or supranational union on imports (or, exceptionally, exports) of goods.
How much does the US export to China?
The U.S. sent about $143.5 billion in goods to China in 2024, according to Census Bureau data. Topping the list: $15.3 billion in electronics, including integrated circuits, and $14.7 billion in oil, gas and coal. But China also is the dominant market for U.S. soybeans, with exports valued at $12.8 billion.
How much do we export to China?
According to the US Trade Representative office, the US imported $438bn (£342bn) worth of goods from China in 2024, with US exports to China valued at $143bn, leaving a trade deficit of $295bn.