ALBAWABA- In a sharp escalation of trade tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods if Beijing does not reverse its newly announced 34% retaliatory tariffs by April 8, 2025.
Posting on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump condemned China's actions, accusing the country of longstanding trade abuses, including currency manipulation, illegal subsidies, and excessive tariffs.
He emphasized that his administration had warned all trading partners that any form of retaliation would be met with “substantially higher tariffs.”
“If China does not withdraw its 34% increase by tomorrow, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th,” Trump wrote.
He added that all ongoing talks with Chinese officials would be canceled, and instead, the U.S. would begin negotiations with other countries seeking trade discussions.
Trump also highlighted what he called positive economic indicators under his leadership, stating that oil prices, interest rates, and food prices are down, and inflation is non-existent.
He credited existing tariffs with generating billions in revenue for the U.S. and blamed previous administrations for allowing other countries, especially China, to exploit American markets for decades.
Trump’s comments follow China's move to impose 34% tariffs on U.S. products in retaliation for American tariffs on Chinese firms, a tit-for-tat measure that signals intensifying friction between the world’s two largest economies.
