In a significant escalation of the U.S.-China trade dispute, President Donald Trump has enforced a 104% tariff on all Chinese imports. The tariff came into effect at noon ET on Tuesday, with collections starting April 9, according to White House officials.
The latest hike, one of the steepest in U.S. history, comes after what the Trump administration described as China’s failure to withdraw retaliatory duties. “104% additional tariffs went into effect at noon eastern time because China has not removed its retaliation… The additional tariff will be collected starting tomorrow, April 9,” Fox Business reporter Edward Lawrence quoted White House Press Secretary as saying.
Old Interview with David Letterman Resurfaces
As Trump positions himself as a staunch advocate of American manufacturing, an old interview clip with David Letterman has resurfaced online, drawing widespread attention. In the viral video, Letterman confronts Trump about the origins of his branded products, including a Trump tie.
WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:
Trump raised tariffs on China to 104%….so it’s a great time to revisit the time Letterman cooked him for making all his crap in China
pic.twitter.com/SUvsor27L5— Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) April 8, 2025
Holding up the tie, Letterman asks, “Where is it made?” before revealing, “Made in China!” The audience erupts in laughter, while Trump, caught off guard, gives a sheepish smile. The internet wasted no time in pointing out the irony. One user wrote, “Trump raised tariffs to 104%, so it’s a great time to revisit the time Letterman cooked him for making all his crap in China.”
China Pushes Back
China has sharply criticized the U.S. move, dismissing it as “blackmail” and vowing to “fight to the end.” Beijing has already enacted its own counter-tariffs and made clear it won’t be pushed into a deal under duress.
Still, Trump signaled openness to negotiations. “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!” the president said.
Markets React, Uncertainty Looms
Following Trump’s announcement on April 2, U.S. stock markets saw partial recovery. However, global investors remain wary. Concerns persist over supply chain disruptions, higher consumer costs, and the ripple effects on global trade.
With Trump having already imposed 10% to 50% tariffs on various imports, this new 104% duty underscores a dramatic shift in America’s trade policy—and perhaps a strategic move in an election year.
