In a bold move signaling the United States' firm stance on trade, President Donald Trump’s administration implemented a fresh wave of tariffs late Tuesday, with China facing the steepest hike—an unprecedented 104% tariff on its goods. This dramatic tariff escalation marks a new chapter in the ongoing trade war between the two economic giants.
Tough Trade Measures and Global Impact
The tariff increase, which took effect at midnight (US Eastern time), has already provoked a strong response from Beijing. In addition to China, India is also among the hardest-hit nations, now facing a 26% tariff on its exports to the US. Despite active negotiations with nearly 70 trading partners, the Trump administration emphasized that the tariffs would remain in place regardless of the ongoing discussions.
White House spokesperson Karoline Levitt explained, “These reciprocal tariffs will continue to go into effect as these deals are negotiated,” highlighting the administration’s resolve in pursuing its trade agenda.
Trump’s Focus on Country-Specific Agreements
President Trump has long advocated for tailored trade agreements, prioritizing country-specific deals over broad, one-size-fits-all policies. “The President met with his trade team this morning, and he directed them to have tailor-made trade deals with every country that calls up this administration to strike a deal and listen,” Levitt remarked. The goal is clear: each trade deal should be unique, reflecting the President’s priority of putting “America first.”
Trump's frustration with China’s response has also been evident. After Beijing retaliated with its own set of tariffs instead of engaging in negotiations, Levitt defended the White House’s position, stating, “President Trump is willing to pick up the phone and talk.” However, China’s retort has been firm.
China’s Defiant Stance
In a strongly worded response, China’s Commerce Ministry condemned the US tariff escalation, calling it “a mistake on top of a mistake.” The ministry accused the US of using blackmailing tactics and warned that any further US actions would lead to “strong countermeasures.”
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian also reiterated China’s stance, stressing that “trade wars and tariffs have no winners,” and that “protectionism has no way out.” He added, “The Chinese people never create trouble nor do we fear trouble… Pressuring, threatening, and exhorting China is not the right way to engage with us.”
This latest round of tariffs follows last week’s US announcement of a 34% tariff on Chinese products, escalating tensions further in the trade dispute. As both nations stand firm, the global economic landscape remains uncertain, with trade tensions continuing to dominate international headlines.
The outcome of these ongoing negotiations and tariff escalations will likely have significant repercussions on global trade and relations between the world’s largest economies.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)