Trump threatens China with additional 50% tariffs | BBC News

In April 2025, President Donald Trump escalated trade tensions with China by threatening an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports, contingent upon Beijing withdrawing its 34% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. This move was part of Trump's broader "Liberation Day" tariff strategy, which aimed to address what he perceived as decades of unfair trade practices disadvantaging American manufacturers and workers.
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The initial phase of this strategy included a 10% universal tariff on imports from most countries, with higher rates for specific nations. China responded to these measures by imposing its own 34% tariffs on U.S. goods. In retaliation, Trump threatened to increase tariffs on Chinese imports by an additional 50%, potentially raising the total tariff rate to 104%.
BBC

These escalating tariffs led to significant market volatility and concerns among U.S. businesses about increased costs and supply chain disruptions. Despite these concerns, President Trump remained firm on his stance, stating that the U.S. must no longer be taken advantage of.

China's commerce ministry criticized the U.S. approach, labeling the additional levy as "a mistake on top of a mistake" and stating it would never accept the "blackmail nature" of the U.S. actions.
BBC

The situation underscored the complexities of international trade relations and the potential economic ramifications of escalating tariff measures between major global economies.

Trump's Tariff Threats Escalate U.S.-China Trade Tensions

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Sources