In a bold move that escalates tensions in the ongoing U.S.-China trade war, President Donald Trump has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Beijing, threatening to impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports unless China withdraws its newly announced 34% retaliatory duty on American goods.
The warning was delivered via Trump’s official social media account on Monday, April 7, intensifying the already strained economic standoff between the world’s two largest economies.
“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%, effective April 9th,” Trump declared in the post.
This latest threat comes on the heels of an earlier 34% tariff announced by Trump on April 2, in what the White House has described as a “reciprocal” response to China’s trade practices.
That tariff, in turn, followed two earlier rounds of 10% duties rolled out in February and March, as well as a 20% tariff linked to efforts to curb fentanyl trafficking. If implemented, the new 50% levy would bring the total effective tariff on certain Chinese goods to a staggering 104%.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior White House official said the administration considers these steps essential to addressing what it characterizes as “decades of predatory trade behavior” by Beijing.
“President Trump is determined to protect American workers and industries from unfair competition. These tariffs are about more than economics—they’re about restoring balance and asserting U.S. sovereignty in global trade,” the official said.
In a separate post on his X (formerly Twitter) account earlier Monday, Trump referred to China as “the biggest abuser” of free trade with the United States and claimed the tariff policies are bringing in “billions of dollars a week” for the U.S. government—funds that he argues are bolstering the economy without driving inflation.
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“Our past leaders are to blame for allowing this, and so much else, to happen to our country,” Trump added, criticizing successive U.S. administrations for failing to confront China’s expanding trade surplus and restrictive practices.
Beijing has shown no signs of backing down. In retaliation to Trump’s escalating duties, China has not only announced a 34% tariff on U.S. imports but also suspended the purchase of key American agricultural products and critical rare earth minerals—a clear signal of its intent to hit U.S. economic interests where it hurts most.
China’s Ministry of Commerce described the U.S. tariffs as “unilateral and protectionist,” warning that such actions threaten global supply chains and undermine the stability of international trade norms.
Analysts say the stakes are now higher than ever, with both nations appearing entrenched in a high-risk economic standoff that could have far-reaching consequences for global markets.
With the 2024 election cycle in full swing, Trump’s tough stance on China appears aimed at solidifying his base by projecting economic nationalism and defending domestic industries. But critics warn that the tariff escalation may backfire, risking higher consumer prices and retaliation against U.S. exporters.
“America is no longer the world’s piggy bank,” the President said last week. “We are reclaiming our economic independence.”
As the deadline approaches, global investors and political leaders alike are watching closely. If China refuses to retreat, Trump’s proposed 50% tariff—set to take effect April 9—could mark one of the most dramatic escalations in U.S.-China trade relations to date.