China Strikes Back With 84% Tariffs on U.S. Goods/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ China announced a sharp increase in tariffs on U.S. imports to 84%, intensifying its trade conflict with the Trump administration. Beijing also rolled out new export controls and rebuked Washington’s recent actions, vowing to “fight to the end.” Negotiations remain stalled as both sides escalate retaliatory measures.
China-U.S. Trade War Escalates: Quick Looks
- Tariffs Raised: China increases tariffs on U.S. goods to 84% starting Thursday
- Countermeasures Added: New export controls and restrictions on rare earth minerals
- U.S. Action: Trump raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 104% and halted negotiations
- No Talks Yet: China hasn’t agreed to reopen trade talks with the U.S.
- White Paper Released: Beijing accuses Washington of violating past trade agreements
- TikTok Deal Delayed: China blocks app sale pending broader tariff negotiations
- Economic Warning: Beijing says U.S. tariffs will damage its own economy
- Services Trade Ignored: China claims overall trade is more balanced than portrayed
- Inflation Risk: Chinese officials say U.S. consumers will bear the costs
- Market Volatility Feared: Commerce ministry warns of rising recession risks in U.S.
China Strikes Back With 84% Tariffs on U.S. Goods
Deep Look
BANGKOK — April 9, 2025 — China ratcheted up its retaliation in the intensifying trade standoff with the United States on Wednesday, announcing it will raise tariffs on American goods to 84% effective Thursday. The move comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump increased overall tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 104% and declared an end to trade negotiations.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce issued a strong-worded white paper alongside the tariff hike, signaling an unwillingness to return to the negotiating table unless the U.S. adopts a more respectful and reciprocal approach.
“If the U.S. insists on further escalating its economic and trade restrictions, China has the firm will and abundant means to take necessary countermeasures and fight to the end,” the Ministry stated.
A Wave of Retaliation
In addition to the sweeping tariff increase, Beijing announced Friday it would implement export controls on critical rare earth minerals—vital to U.S. electronics and defense manufacturing—and other punitive trade actions in response to Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff blitz.
The Chinese government has repeatedly criticized the Trump administration for abandoning the principles laid out in the Phase 1 trade deal signed during Trump’s first term. Among the grievances: a U.S. law that would ban TikTok unless sold to American buyers. China argued that it violates an agreement not to “coerce technology transfers.”
While Trump granted TikTok a temporary 75-day extension last week, negotiations over a sale have since stalled. ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, reportedly informed U.S. officials that China would not approve any deal unless broader tariff negotiations resumed.
Trade in Services Ignored, China Says
In its white paper, Beijing challenged Washington’s rationale for the tariffs by pointing out that the U.S. focuses solely on physical goods, ignoring trade in services and revenue generated by U.S. companies operating in China.
The paper stated that in 2023, China ran a $26.57 billion deficit in trade in services with the U.S.—a figure that includes insurance, banking, and consulting—suggesting the overall economic relationship is more balanced than the U.S. claims.
Economic Fallout Looming
The Chinese government issued a stark warning about the consequences of the escalating tariff war. It said the U.S. strategy of increasing tariffs would not solve domestic economic issues and would instead backfire by raising prices, disrupting markets, and risking recession.
“History and facts have proven that the United States’ increase in tariffs will not solve its own problems,” the ministry wrote.
“It will trigger sharp fluctuations in financial markets, push up U.S. inflation pressure, weaken the U.S. industrial base and increase the risk of a U.S. economic recession, which will ultimately only backfire on itself.”
Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reinforced China’s position, saying that any future negotiations must be based on mutual respect and equality.
As of now, Beijing shows no indication it will soften its stance. While other U.S. trade partners have entered talks to reduce or bypass Trump’s tariffs, China appears to be drawing a hard line, leaving open the possibility that the world’s two largest economies could remain entrenched in a prolonged and disruptive trade conflict.
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