China slaps back at Trump with total 84% tariff on US goods

By Camille Gijs | 04/09/2025 12:11 PM EDT

The world’s two largest economies send tariffs spiraling in unprecedented trade war escalation.

BRUSSELS — The Chinese finance ministry announced Wednesday it will impose another 50 percent tariff on all goods coming from the United States, after Washington’s sweeping 104 percent tariff on Chinese goods took effect.

“The U.S.’s practice of escalating tariffs on China is a mistake on top of a mistake, which seriously infringes on China’s legitimate rights and interests,” the ministry said in a statement, adding that the move was “adding insult to injury.”

The response comes as trade tensions have soared between Beijing and Washington, after President Donald Trump said he would tack another 50 percent in his “reciprocal” tariff package. In practice, China is adding another 50 percent on a preexisting 34 percent tariff, bringing the total to 84 percent. That levy will kick in Thursday.

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China on Tuesday became the first country to challenge Trump’s universal tariffs at the World Trade Organization.

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