Donald Trump Increases China Tariffs to 104%, Effective Today.
President Trump issued an ultimatum to China, demanding that it revoke the 34% retaliatory tariff on American products within 24 hours. If China failed to comply, the U.S. would respond by slapping a steep 104% tariff on Chinese imports. The move was framed as a strong response to what the administration saw as unfair trade practices. The White House emphasized that unless China backed down, it would face severe economic consequences starting immediately with the new tariff.
Trump Slaps 104% Tariff on China After Ultimatum; Beijing Vows to Retaliate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has followed through on his warning, imposing an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports effective Wednesday. The move, announced by the White House, pushes the total U.S. tariff on Chinese goods to an unprecedented 104%, the highest ever in modern U.S.-China trade relations.
Trump had previously issued a stern 24-hour deadline to China, demanding that it rescind the 34% retaliatory tariff it had placed on American products. He warned that failure to do so would result in a severe countermeasure—raising tariffs on Chinese goods to 104%. Earlier in the day, Beijing defied the threat, daring Washington to act. Not long after, Trump greenlit the sweeping tariff hike.
Until just a month ago, the U.S. However, Trump criticized this policy, saying it allowed China to “rob and rip off” the American economy. According to him, the Chinese government exploited the system by maintaining significantly higher tariffs on U.S. goods while benefiting from American markets.
In response to these long-standing grievances, Trump unveiled a new “reciprocal tariff” strategy last week. Under this plan, the United States would impose a tariff that is roughly half of what a foreign nation charges American exports. In China’s case, this resulted in an immediate 34% increase—bringing the overall tariff to 44%.
On April 2, shortly after Trump’s announcement, the White House addressed reporters, citing a “national emergency” triggered by ongoing trade imbalances and security threats. The administration declared that a “baseline” tariff of 10% would be imposed on all foreign imports to the U.S., intensifying its protectionist stance. With these adjustments, the cumulative U.S. tariff on Chinese products reached 54%.
Now, with the fresh 50% hike specifically targeted at China, the country finds itself facing an extraordinary 104% tariff burden—nearly doubling in under a week. Trump’s strategy signals not only a dramatic escalation but also a calculated effort to exert maximum pressure on Beijing.
Despite the aggressive move, Trump hinted that he remains open to negotiations. We are waiting for their call.” His message appeared to leave the door open for future dialogue, although no concrete steps have been announced by either side.
“The U.S. Chinese officials further warned that if Washington continues on this path, China “will fight to the end.”
The situation marks a sharp downturn in relations between the world’s two largest economies. What began as a dispute over tariffs has now spiraled into a full-blown trade war, with both sides standing firm and unwilling to make concessions. The escalation has sent shockwaves through the global economy.
Stock markets around the world have already begun to react, suffering their steepest drops since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Investors and global trade experts warn that prolonged tensions could lead to further volatility, disrupted supply chains, and a slowdown in international commerce.
Economists are watching closely as the tit-for-tat between Washington and Beijing unfolds. Many warn that if the two powers do not return to the negotiating table soon, the economic fallout could be severe—not just for the U.S.
The world now finds itself in an increasingly unstable environment, with no signs of a quick resolution in sight. As the standoff continues, the pressure mounts for both countries to find common ground—or risk a deeper, more damaging economic conflict.