The long-simmering US-China trade tensions have reignited with a vengeance. In a dramatic escalation that has rattled global markets, Beijing has announced sweeping new tariffs on American goods, raising its total levy to 84%. The retaliatory move follows a drastic and unexpected decision by US President Donald Trump to slap a total of 104% tariffs on all Chinese imports, marking the highest tariff rate imposed in the history of bilateral trade between the two global economic giants.

The Chinese Ministry of Finance confirmed on April 9 that it would impose an additional 50% tariff on US imports starting at noon on April 10. This is on top of the already-existing 34% tariff, and is part of a tit-for-tat response to Washington’s aggressive tariff expansion over the past month.

“The US’ practice of escalating tariffs on China is a mistake on top of a mistake, which seriously infringes on China’s legitimate rights and interests and seriously damages the rules-based multilateral trading system,” the ministry said in a strongly worded statement.

This latest flare-up echoes the trade war of Trump’s first term in office, when tariffs and counter-tariffs became a key feature of his economic strategy. But this time, the stakes are arguably higher. Since taking office for a second term in 2025, Trump has signaled a renewed and more aggressive stance on China. The president claims that Beijing has continued to engage in unfair trade practices, currency manipulation, and intellectual property theft – accusations China has long denied.

In early March, Trump initiated this fresh round of confrontation by slapping a 20% tariff on Chinese goods.........

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