White House confirms new tariff hike will take effect at midnight as US sharpens stance against China’s retaliatory moves.
The White House on Tuesday confirmed that US President Donald Trump has imposed a sweeping 104% tariff on all Chinese imports, with the measure becoming effective from midnight. This aggressive move intensifies the ongoing trade conflict, especially after Beijing pledged to “fight to the end” over the issue of tariffs.
Trump Escalates Tariffs After China’s Retaliation Warning
According to AFP, Trump had earlier warned of an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods if Beijing proceeded with its retaliatory measures. The White House has now confirmed that the administration will go forward with this plan, bringing the total added tariffs to 104% for the year.
The Trump administration described the measure as a way to “level the playing field” following the President’s recent claims that several nations are “looting the US” through disproportionate tariffs on American exports.
President Awaits China’s Response but Signals Readiness
Despite confirming the new tariffs, Trump indicated that a resolution could still be on the table. “China also wants to make a deal, badly, but they don’t know how to get it started. We are waiting for their call. It will happen!” he posted on social media.
However, officials within his administration signaled a reduced urgency in dealing with China. Citing a Reuters report, some administration members mentioned they would not prioritise negotiations with the world’s second-largest economy.
White House Shifts Focus to US Allies
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett told Fox News, “Right now, we’ve received the instruction to prioritise our allies and our trading partners like Japan and Korea and others.”
The US has already opened negotiations with countries such as Japan and South Korea, which rely heavily on exports and could suffer under Trump’s country-specific and product-specific tariff regime. Vietnam and Indonesia have also expressed interest in easing trade tensions by proposing tariff cuts on select US imports.
Markets React to Tariff Hike
Global financial markets showed signs of recovery following several turbulent days triggered by Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy. US stocks rebounded after enduring a sharp selloff that erased trillions of dollars in market value in the past week.
Currently, the United States has already enforced a 10% tariff on most imports and is preparing to impose targeted tariffs of up to 50% on many other trade partners. These measures are set to take effect on Wednesday, further expanding the US’s protectionist trade policies.
China Decries US Move, Vows Resistance
In a strong rebuttal, China denounced the new tariffs as a form of “blackmail” and promised to “fight to the end.” This declaration came after Trump threatened to push tariffs up to 104% in retaliation against China’s earlier decision to mirror his duties.
As the trade conflict escalates with no immediate end in sight, all eyes are on China’s next move and whether Trump’s strategy will force Beijing back to the negotiating table—or push both economies into further economic uncertainty.
