Donald Trump threatens fresh tariffs of 50% on China

President Donald Trump has threatened to levy 50% extra tariffs on China unless Beijing withdraws its 34% hike in further duties on US imports.

“If China does not withdraw its 34% increase on its long-term trade abuses by tomorrow, April 8, 2025, the United States will impose additional tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9,” Donald Trump posted on social media.

“China has taken and will continue to take resolute measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests,” China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

This after, on Friday, China hit back with tariffs of 34% on all U.S. goods, in retaliation to the additional 15% tariffs Trump imposed on China on so-called “Liberation Day.”

In addition to these new tariffs, China has put immediate limits on shipments of seven important rare earth elements, restricted key exports for the defense and aerospace industries, and listed 11 US businesses as untrustworthy entities.