Trump Warns of 50% Tariff Surge on China Amid Intensifying Trade Dispute
By Galaxy Tribune Staff
April 8, 2025
U.S. Threatens Severe Economic Retaliation
President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Beijing on Monday, declaring that the United States will enforce an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports if China proceeds with its plan to raise tariffs on American goods by 34%. The president emphasized that countries retaliating against long-standing U.S. tariff grievances would face steep financial consequences.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump made it clear that if China doesn’t retract the newly announced tariff increase by Tuesday, April 8, the U.S. will raise the stakes with an even more aggressive tariff hike, effective April 9.
China Promises to Fight Back
Beijing’s commerce ministry swiftly condemned the threat, vowing to take forceful countermeasures if Washington follows through. Chinese authorities vowed to respond with unwavering resistance should the U.S. intensify its trade response, highlighting growing tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
The tension follows China’s announcement last week that it would respond to the U.S.’s latest 34% tariff hike—set to begin April 9—with an identical 34% tariff on all American goods, starting April 10.
Trade War Could Hit Consumers Hard
If implemented, Trump’s latest threat would push the total U.S. tariff rate on Chinese imports to a staggering 104%, when factoring in existing penalties aimed at addressing issues such as fentanyl trafficking. The financial strain will likely land on American consumers, who already face higher prices due to previous trade measures.
A Yale Budget Lab study estimates that the current tariffs alone could increase the average household’s annual spending by roughly $3,789. As major importers like Walmart absorb tariff costs, they typically pass them on through price hikes—fueling inflation concerns that economists warn could reignite in 2025.
Global Markets and Allies React
The global financial community has responded nervously to the rising trade tensions. Economists caution that escalating tariffs could throttle economic growth and potentially spark a recession. Stock markets have already shown signs of volatility in reaction to Trump’s aggressive trade policies.
In a separate message on Truth Social, the president revealed plans to begin fresh trade negotiations with several countries, including Japan. He criticized Japan’s automotive trade practices and accused the country of treating American industries unfairly.
Meanwhile, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro insisted that lowering tariffs alone wouldn’t satisfy U.S. expectations. He highlighted issues like non-tariff barriers and unfair regulatory frameworks as major concerns. Citing Vietnam as an example, Navarro argued that meaningful trade agreements require structural changes, not just reduced import fees.
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