China Hits Back With 84% Tariff on U.S. Imports, Escalating Trade War
In a significant escalation of the ongoing trade conflict, China has announced sweeping retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, matching Washington’s latest tariff hike with an identical 84% rate. The new duties will take effect on April 10, 2025, according to a statement from China’s Ministry of Finance.
The move follows the U.S. decision just one day prior to raise its tariffs on Chinese exports from 34% to 84%, a sharp increase that drew immediate condemnation from Beijing.
China’s State Council Tariff Commission denounced the U.S. action as “economic bullying” and a violation of global trade norms. The commission said Washington’s unilateral measures undermine international economic stability and accused the U.S. of disregarding both international law and multilateral trade rules.
In its official response, China pointed to both domestic legislation and international frameworks as the basis for its countermeasures. It called on the U.S. to roll back what it described as “erroneous policies” and to reengage in constructive negotiations.
This tit-for-tat escalation pushes U.S.-China trade relations to a new low, effectively freezing commerce between the world’s two largest economies with near-total tariffs on cross-border goods.
Global markets were quick to react. Bitcoin (BTC), often viewed as a safe haven during geopolitical uncertainty, dropped sharply and briefly traded below $76,000 following the announcement.
