Tue April 8, 2025
President Donald Trump is poised to enforce a remarkable 104% increase in tariffs on all Chinese imports come Wednesday, as announced by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday. This move builds upon existing Chinese tariffs that were implemented before Trump's second term.
China was initially slated to face a 34% tariff hike on Wednesday as part of Trump's "reciprocal" tariff strategy. However, following Beijing's failure to retract its pledge to impose 34% retaliatory tariffs on US products by noon Tuesday, the president added an extra 50%, resulting in a total of 84% in duties.
Leavitt conveyed to reporters on Tuesday, "Countries like China, opting to retaliate and intensify their mistreatment of American workers, are erring. President Trump exhibits unwavering resolve, unwavering in the face of adversity."
She added, "The Chinese are eager to strike a deal; they just lack the know-how." Leavitt declined to disclose any specific terms Trump might consider to reduce tariffs on China.
China stood as America's second-largest import origin last year, dispatching goods worth $439 billion to the US, while the US exported goods valued at $144 billion to China. These reciprocal tariffs pose a threat to domestic industries and may lead to workforce reductions.
Earlier that Tuesday, China's Commerce Ministry vehemently opposed the additional 50% tariffs on Chinese imports, labeling it "a compounded error." The ministry vowed to escalate retaliatory measures on US exports.
Moreover, numerous other nations, including the European Union, face an impending deadline for increased tariff rates. These rates, outlined by Trump last week, span from 11% to 50%.
Leavitt informed reporters that despite engaging in discussions with global leaders to negotiate lower tariff rates, Trump shows little inclination to postpone his agenda.
Having conferred with Trump earlier that Tuesday, Leavitt remarked, "He anticipates the implementation of these tariffs."
Simultaneously, she mentioned that Trump directed his trade team to forge customized agreements with nations seeking negotiations. When pressed for details on any timelines or deadlines for these trade pacts, Leavitt reiterated that they will not be ordinary agreements, but rather tailor-made deals.
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