By Ghazali Ibrahim 
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a sweeping 50% tariff on Chinese goods if Beijing does not withdraw its retaliatory trade measures on the US by Tuesday.
The warning comes amid an escalating trade war between the two nations.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump demanded that China reverse its recent 34% tariff hike on US imports or face severe consequences.
“If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long-term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose additional Tariffs on China of 50 percent effective April 9th,” Trump wrote.
The president further warned that ongoing trade negotiations with China would be halted if Beijing fails to comply. “Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated!” he added.
The warning follows Beijing’s announcement on Friday of its own reciprocal 34% tariffs on all imports from the US, a move that sparked immediate backlash from the White House.
China’s State Council Tariff Commission denounced the US action as a “typical unilateral bullying practice” and accused Washington of violating international trade norms.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the administration’s trade stance, asserting that the tariffs were necessary to rebalance the economic relationship with China.
“I don’t know if they can retaliate,” Bessent said, citing the US’s leverage in the trade deficit.
The trade war has led to market volatility, with three straight days of losses on Wall Street.
However, Trump’s administration believes the tariffs will protect American workers and industries in the long run. The White House has positioned the aggressive tariff strategy as a long-term move to protect American interests, despite immediate economic turbulence.
