BEIJING, China – In a marked escalation of its trade war with the United States, China has announced a significant increase in tariffs on American goods, raising the rate from 84% to 125%, effective April 12, 2025.
The move follows the US administration’s imposition of aggressive tariffs on a wide range of Chinese products, and represents Beijing’s strongest retaliatory action yet.
The Tariff Committee of China’s State Council made the announcement, issuing a statement that sharply condemned Washington’s protectionist policies.
According to the Council, the U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods are “a significant violation of international trade and economic regulations, basic economic principles, and common sense,” describing the actions as “unilateral acts of intimidation and coercion.”
The statement further clarified that the current tariff levels had rendered it increasingly difficult for American goods to penetrate the Chinese market, and that the United States’ demands for further tariff increases would not be taken into account.
“Given that at the current tariff level the market can no longer accommodate American goods entering China, the Chinese side will not take into account further increases in US tariffs on Chinese products,” the statement read.
This tariff hike marks the latest chapter in a trade conflict that began with U.S. President Donald Trump’s April 2 announcement, which imposed tariffs on goods from 185 countries and regions, including a 34% tariff on Chinese imports.
In retaliation, China immediately raised tariffs on U.S. products by 34% starting April 10.
Trump’s administration, undeterred by the tit-for-tat tariff exchanges, escalated its demands, threatening 104% tariffs on Chinese products unless Beijing agrees to a trade deal that addresses the U.S.’s concerns.
In response, China retaliated by raising tariffs on American goods to 84%.
The escalating tariff war culminated in this latest announcement, with Trump’s promise of 125% tariffs on Chinese imports effectively pushing the dispute to a new high.
The Chinese government has made it clear that it will not bow to Washington’s trade demands and will continue to address all related issues based on the resolutions outlined by the State Council Tariff Committee.
The growing tensions between the two global economic giants have already caused significant disruptions to international trade, particularly in key sectors such as manufacturing and technology.
The escalating tariffs are expected to further strain relations between China and the U.S. and could have ripple effects on the global economy, particularly in countries that are heavily involved in trade with both nations.
