China’s Retaliation Triggers 104% Tariffs from Trump Administration

The Trump administration escalated its trade war with China on Tuesday, imposing a staggering 104% tariff on Chinese imports after the country failed to meet a noon deadline to lift its retaliatory tariffs, Fox News reports.

The move comes after President Donald Trump repeatedly asserted that China was eager to strike a trade deal with the United States.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the new tariffs, set to take effect on April 9th, during Tuesday’s press briefing. She reiterated President Trump’s belief in China’s desire for a deal:

“He believes China has to make a deal with the United States. It was a mistake for China to retaliate.” Leavitt emphasized the administration’s hardline stance, declaring, “The president, when America is punched, he punches back harder, that’s why there will be 104% tariffs going into effect on China tonight at midnight.”

Leavitt indicated that President Trump would be receptive to negotiations should Chinese President Xi Jinping express interest in a deal. The increased tariffs are understood to be in addition to those already anticipated under Trump’s previously announced reciprocal tariffs plan, and are viewed as a direct consequence of China’s refusal to concede to US demands.

The Trump administration’s initial tariff announcements on April 4th, which the President dubbed “Liberation Day,” sparked a range of reactions globally. While some nations sought to negotiate more favorable trade arrangements with the US, others, including China, opted for retaliation.

China responded to the initial tariff announcements by imposing a 34% reciprocal tariff on U imports. Reuters reported that China has vowed to “fight to the end” and characterized the US tariff threats as “blackmail.”

The Trump administration has justified its actions by citing China’s “non-market policies and practices” which they claim have granted Beijing “global dominance in key manufacturing industries” and have “decimated US industry.”

According to Reuters reports, Chinese manufacturers are warning that the escalating trade war could lead to significant profit drops and are exploring options for establishing new plants overseas to circumvent the tariffs.