Trump slaps 104% tariff on Chinese imports as trade war escalates

The Trump administration has dramatically escalated its trade conflict with China, unveiling a sweeping 104% tariff on all Chinese imports after Beijing failed to meet a deadline to remove its own retaliatory levies.

The new tariff, announced Tuesday, is set to take effect at midnight on April 9, marking a significant intensification in one of the most volatile trade disputes in recent history.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the administration’s decision during a press briefing, stating the move was a direct response to China’s refusal to lift its counter-tariffs.

She reiterated President Donald Trump’s hardline stance on trade, declaring, “The president, when America is punched, he punches back harder. That’s why there will be 104% tariffs going into effect on China tonight at midnight.”

The development follows President Trump’s recent claim that China is desperate to “make a deal badly,” though the administration signaled it is still open to negotiations.

Leavitt said the president would be “gracious” if Chinese President Xi Jinping chose to return to the negotiating table, hinting at a possible diplomatic off-ramp despite the rising tensions.

The new 104% levy builds upon the administration’s broader strategy of reciprocal tariffs aimed at pressuring Beijing into policy concessions.

Just days earlier, on April 4, Trump had proclaimed “Liberation Day,” unveiling an aggressive new tariff list that drew sharp global reactions.

While some countries scrambled to secure more favorable trade terms with the U.S., China retaliated with its own 34% tariff on American imports, denouncing Washington’s approach as “blackmail” and vowing to “fight to the end.”

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The Trump administration has defended its aggressive posture, accusing China of deploying unfair economic tactics designed to dominate global manufacturing at the expense of American industries.

Officials argue that the tariffs are necessary to counter Beijing’s non-market practices and restore balance to the international trade system.

Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, Trump doubled down on his tariff-driven trade agenda, rejecting calls for relief from allied nations and trade partners.

“We’re not looking at that,” Trump said, dismissing concerns over the growing economic fallout. “We want fair deals and good deals with every country.”

In Beijing, the Chinese Commerce Ministry issued a sharp rebuke to the U.S. action via state news agency Xinhua, condemning the tariff escalation as “unilateral bullying” and a blatant act of “blackmail.”

The Ministry vowed decisive countermeasures, accusing Washington of violating international trade norms and threatening global economic stability.

“The proposed tariff escalation is groundless and deeply irresponsible,” the Ministry stated. “China’s countermeasures are a legitimate defense of our sovereignty, national security, and developmental interests.”

As the world watches the latest chapter in the escalating economic standoff between the world’s two largest economies, uncertainty looms over global markets and supply chains.

While a diplomatic breakthrough remains possible, both sides appear poised for a prolonged and punishing battle that could reshape the global trade landscape for years to come.