April 08, (THEWILL) – The White House on Tuesday announced a dramatic escalation in the U.S.-China trade war, confirming that total tariffs on Chinese imports will surge to 104% beginning Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
The move, which combines existing levies with a new wave of duties under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act, comes after Beijing refused to comply with President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to eliminate its 34% retaliatory tariffs on American goods.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the tariff increase is aimed at protecting American industries and sending a clear message to trading partners about the administration’s resolve.
“President Trump’s message has been simple and consistent from the outset – bring your best offers, and he will listen.
“Deals will only be struck if they protect American workers and address the massive trade imbalances that have long disadvantaged our country,” Leavitt stated.
President Trump had on Monday threatened to impose a 50% tariff hike if China did not reverse its retaliatory duties by Tuesday. With Beijing holding firm, the U.S. followed through, raising the stakes in what now appears to be a prolonged standoff.
In a swift response, Chinese officials vowed to “fight to the end,” warning of countermeasures including potential export restrictions on rare earth elements critical to U.S. technology and defense manufacturing.
The tariff hike is poised to impact a broad range of Chinese goods — from electronics to apparel and household items. In 2024 alone, China exported $438.9 billion worth of goods to the United States, making it the second-largest trading partner to the world’s largest economy.
Leavitt reinforced the administration’s stance, noting that America under Trump’s leadership “will not break.”
“President Trump has a spine of steel. He is unwavering in his belief that America must regain its industrial strength, reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, and safeguard the production of critical goods such as food, medicine, and minerals,” she said.
In a post on Truth Social Tuesday, President Trump revealed he had a “great call” with South Korea’s acting president and hinted at ongoing discussions with China.
“China also wants to make a deal badly,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent disclosed that around 70 countries have approached the U.S. seeking tariff talks.
“If they come to the table with solid proposals, I think we can end up with some good deals.
“That may still include some tariffs remaining in place, depending on the final terms,” Bessent said.
With both Washington and Beijing digging in their heels, the tariff escalation signals a new chapter in the turbulent economic rivalry between the world’s two largest economies — one that could reshape global trade flows for years to come.
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