The United States has escalated its trade dispute with China by imposing a hefty 104% tariff on Chinese imports, following Beijing’s failure to lift its retaliatory tariffs by the set Tuesday deadline.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the new tariffs during a press briefing on Tuesday, confirming they would come into effect at midnight on April 9. She reiterated former President Donald Trump’s stance that China made a critical misstep by retaliating against earlier U.S. tariffs.
“When America is hit, the president hits back harder. That’s why the 104% tariffs on Chinese goods will be implemented tonight,” Leavitt stated.
She added that Trump would be open to negotiations if Chinese President Xi Jinping were to initiate talks, hinting at a possible path to de-escalation despite the rising tensions. Trump recently claimed that China is “desperate” to strike a deal.
This latest tariff adds to the existing levies under Trump’s broader reciprocal tariff strategy, which targets a wide range of Chinese imports.
China had earlier responded to Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs with its own 34% duties on U.S. imports, vowing to resist what it described as American “blackmail” and promising to “fight to the end.”
The Trump administration has defended its tough stance by accusing China of using non-market tactics to dominate global manufacturing, which they claim has severely damaged U.S. industries.
Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, Trump reaffirmed that tariffs remain a cornerstone of his economic policy. He dismissed suggestions of lifting them, while expressing willingness to pursue “fair and good deals” with international partners.