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China Hits Back with 84% Tariffs on U.S. Imports as Trade War Deepens
China has ramped up its response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade measures, announcing a sharp increase in tariffs on American goods—from 34% to 84%—in a move it described as necessary retaliation in an escalating trade conflict.
This development comes just one day after the U.S. enacted new 104% tariffs on Chinese imports on April 9. In response, Beijing confirmed its new tariff rates on U.S. products will take effect on April 10.
In a white paper released Wednesday, China emphasized that it does not intentionally seek a trade surplus and reaffirmed its readiness to confront U.S. pressure, stating it will “fight to the end” if Washington continues to escalate trade restrictions. The document condemned the use of tariffs as a means of “economic bullying,” accusing the U.S. of pursuing unilateralism and protectionism for selfish gain.
China’s Ministry of Commerce echoed this sentiment, warning that “there are no winners in a trade war,” while stressing that it would not allow the rights and interests of the Chinese people to be compromised.
In addition to the new tariffs, China imposed sanctions on 18 more U.S. companies—primarily in defense-related industries—adding to the list of roughly 60 American firms already targeted by Beijing in previous retaliatory actions.
Despite the heightened tensions, Chinese officials signaled openness to resolving disputes, expressing willingness to engage in “equal-footed dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation.”
Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s recent broad tariff increases have triggered international backlash. The European Union, for example, has rolled out its own retaliatory tariffs in response to U.S. duties on EU steel and aluminum.
China’s new tariffs, impacting around $23 billion worth of U.S. exports—including soybeans, diamonds, and poultry—are expected to significantly raise costs for American exporters.
Zhiwei Zhang, chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management, remarked that China’s latest actions reflect a clear intent to stand firm. “China can afford to wait. A quick resolution to the trade conflict is unlikely, and the economic fallout will soon become apparent,” Zhang said, adding that the global outlook for trade and growth remains uncertain.
