China has issued a sharp rebuke after President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs of more than 100% on imports from the world’s second-largest economy in response to Beijing’s decision to retaliate with “matching” tariffs.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce called the U.S. threat “a mistake upon mistake,” adding it “once again demonstrates America’s blackmailing nature.”
“If the U.S. insists, China will fight to the end,” the ministry said.
Trump had announced U.S. tariffs on products from most countries worldwide, imposing a minimum 10% tariff on nearly all goods imported into the U.S., with even higher rates for countries with the largest trade deficits with the U.S.
The new tariffs include:
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20% on goods from the European Union
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46% on goods from Vietnam
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32% on goods from Taiwan
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24% on goods from Japan
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25% on goods from South Korea
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36% on goods from Thailand
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31% on goods from Switzerland
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32% on goods from Indonesia
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24% on goods from Malaysia
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49% on goods from Cambodia
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10% on goods from the U.K.
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30% on goods from South Africa
However, no new tariffs have been imposed on goods from Russia or Belarus, as U.S. imports from these countries are minimal.
Ukraine will face a 10% tariff, the minimum base rate, the same as Australia, the U.K., Brazil, and other countries. These tariffs will take effect on April 9, 2025.
Starting April 5, all importing countries will begin paying a minimum base tariff. For China, the total tariff will rise to 44% (34% plus 10%), while for the European Union, it will be 30% (20% plus 10%).
The U.S. has also imposed a 25% tariff on imported cars and parts, effective April 3. The tariff on auto parts will take effect on May 3.
The list of taxable goods includes:
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Cars and trucks
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Dozens of parts such as engines, transmissions, electronic components, and brake systems
The U.S. Department of Commerce will expand the list within 90 days, and vehicles meeting U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) standards will receive partial exemptions.
Additionally, Trump issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency to expand the U.S. government’s authority to impose tariffs.
In retaliation, China has imposed tariffs of 34% and filed an official complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO), urging Washington to lift the restrictions.
Trump has warned that if China does not remove its 34% tariff increase by the following day, the U.S. will retaliate by imposing an additional 50% tariff on April 9.