BEIJING – China announced it will hike tariffs on American imports from 34% to 84%, starting Thursday at 12:01 p.m., in direct retaliation to new U.S. tariffs that took effect just hours earlier.
The sharp escalation follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s move to raise duties on Chinese goods to 104%, targeting dozens of trade partners in a sweeping enforcement of protectionist policies.
Beijing, voicing strong opposition, said the U.S. had “piled mistake upon mistake” and vowed “firm and forceful” action to safeguard its economic interests. The Chinese finance ministry condemned Washington’s actions, claiming they violate China’s trade rights and undermine global trade norms.
“This intensification of tariffs seriously disrupts the multilateral, rules-based trade system,” the ministry added.
Zhiwei Zhang, chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management, remarked, “China’s message today is clear—there won’t be a softening in its trade position. A resolution seems unlikely anytime soon, and both economies will begin to feel the impact soon.”
The strain between the world’s two biggest economies has gone beyond tariffs. Multiple Chinese government agencies issued warnings and sanctions targeting U.S. entities:
- The Culture and Tourism Ministry urged citizens to reconsider travel to the U.S., citing worsening trade ties and growing domestic security concerns.
- The Education Ministry advised Chinese students to be cautious about studying in parts of the United States.
- The Commerce Ministry blacklisted six American firms, including Shield AI Inc. and Sierra Nevada Corp., over arms sales to Taiwan and alleged military collaborations.
The growing rift signals prolonged economic uncertainty and casts a shadow over global trade recovery efforts.