Tariffs vs Tariffs

China Strikes Back: Slaps 84% Tariffs on U.S. Goods in Response to Trump’s 104% Tariff Hike.

The U.S.-China trade war just escalated—again.

In a bold countermove, China announced it will impose a massive 84% tariff on U.S. goods starting April 10. This is a sharp increase from the 34% previously in place. The decision comes just a day after former U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a whopping 104% tariff on Chinese imports, which took effect on April 9. Read Nuclear Battery

China's Finance Ministry announced the new tariffs on Wednesday, stating that they are a direct response to the U.S.'s latest move. The Commerce Ministry also revealed additional steps, including adding 12 U.S. companies to its export control list and placing 6 American firms on its "unreliable entity" list—a signal that these companies could face further restrictions when doing business in China.

So what kicked this all off? According to Fox Business reporter Edward Lawrence, the White House said the 104% tariffs were implemented because “China didn’t remove its retaliation.” These new tariffs are meant to pressure Beijing into backing off, but it seems China has no intention of doing so quietly.

Bottom line: The tit-for-tat tariffs are ramping up fast, and the global economy could start feeling the heat. Businesses and consumers on both sides may want to brace for impact.

Tariff Update: Trump Announces 90-Day Pause for Most Countries, But Hits China With 125% Tariff

In a major shift in the ongoing trade saga, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday a 90-day pause on tariffs for most nations—but China isn’t getting a break.

Instead, Trump is raising tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, effective immediately.

The move is part of what he called a “recalibration” of the U.S. tariff strategy. While countries deemed “friendly” to American interests will benefit from the temporary pause, China is facing even harsher trade penalties.

“I’ve authorized a 90-day pause as part of my tariff plan,” Trump said during a press briefing, “but we are taking strong action against China, starting now.”

This announcement comes just one day after the White House implemented a 104% tariff on Chinese imports, which was met with an 84% retaliatory tariff from Beijing. That trade standoff now looks to be intensifying further.

With the U.S. tightening the screws on China while offering some relief to others, the global trade landscape just got even more complicated.

Stay tuned—this story’s still developing.