New US Tariffs
The United States is set to impose a significant increase in tariffs on Chinese imports, with additional levies reaching as high as 104% starting Wednesday, according to a report from the White House.
This move comes as Washington doubles down on its aggressive stance in the ongoing trade war, following Beijing’s firm commitment to retaliate against any further US actions.
US President Donald Trump had previously warned that if China did not retract its planned countermeasures, he would impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods.
The White House confirmed that President Trump will move forward with this plan, escalating the total tariff duties for this year to 104%. This marks a dramatic step in the escalating trade conflict between the two largest economies in the world.
In a news briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that President Trump believes China is eager to strike a deal with the US but is unsure of how to proceed.
Leavitt added that Trump would be open to negotiations if China reached out but made it clear that the president’s top priority is to act in the best interests of the American people. “The Chinese want to make a deal. They just don’t know how to do it,” Leavitt said, reinforcing the US administration’s stance on the ongoing trade dispute.
In response to the escalating US tariffs, China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a strong statement vowing to take countermeasures. The Chinese government expressed its firm opposition to the additional tariffs, describing the US move as “groundless” and a form of unilateral bullying.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Commerce stated that China would “resolutely take countermeasures” to protect its rights and interests. The spokesperson further condemned the US tariffs as blackmail and made it clear that China would “fight till the end” if the US continues down this path.
China has repeatedly warned that no one will emerge victorious in a trade war and that protectionism leads to negative outcomes for all parties involved. The Chinese government urged the US to halt its tariff escalation and to engage in equal-footed dialogue based on mutual respect to resolve differences.
The escalating trade tensions have sparked concerns about global economic stability, with both nations digging in their heels as the deadline for the new tariffs approaches.
