By Ghazali Ibrahim 
The United States has imposed a steep 104% tariff on Chinese imports, effective midnight April 9, 2025, in a significant escalation of the ongoing trade conflict between the two nations.
The move comes after China’s failure to lift its retaliatory tariffs of 34%, prompting the White House to take further action.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the new tariffs are a response to China’s “strategic error” in retaliating against earlier US tariffs.
Leavitt emphasized that the US will not back down, stating that “when America is punched, he punches back harder.”
The additional 104% tariff builds on President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs plan, which already included significant levies on Chinese goods.
The US has accused China of employing non-market policies that grant it “global dominance in key manufacturing industries” and “decimating US industry.”
China has responded to the US tariffs with its own retaliatory measures, including a 34% reciprocal tariff on US imports.
The Chinese government has vowed to “fight to the end” and accused the US of “blackmail.”
Despite the escalating tensions, the US has left the door open for negotiations.
Leavitt noted that Trump would be “gracious” if Chinese President Xi Jinping sought to negotiate a deal, signaling a potential opening for dialogue.
The move has significant implications for trade relations between the two nations and may impact various industries, including electric vehicle manufacturing, medical and healthcare, and agriculture.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing negotiations and potential for further escalation.
