China has accused the US of ‘unilateral bullying’ after 54 percent tariffs were imposed
Trump has warned China of the ‘one thing they cannot afford to do’ after the country hit back with counter tariffs.
Trump Declares April 2 ‘Liberation Day’ as Sweeping New Tariffs Rock Global Trade
In a bold move he called “Liberation Day” for America, Donald Trump announced a sweeping series of tariffs on April 2, sending shockwaves through international markets. At the heart of his economic offensive: a 25% tariff on all foreign-made automobiles and a new blanket 10% tariff on imported goods from countries outside the USMCA trade pact (Mexico, Canada, and the U.S.).
For nations not compliant with the USMCA agreement, the price tag jumps significantly — a 25% tariff across the board. UK imports will face a 10% duty, while goods from the European Union will be hit with a 20% surcharge.
But the biggest blow landed on China. Labeling it one of the “worst offenders,” Trump imposed a jaw-dropping 54% total tariff on Chinese imports.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cautioned foreign governments against “rash retaliation.” But China wasted no time. In response, Beijing announced a 34% tariff on U.S. goods starting April 10.
Trump quickly fired back on Truth Social, writing on April 5:
“CHINA PLAYED IT WRONG, THEY PANICKED – THE ONE THING THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO DO!”
He also tied China’s reaction to the ongoing TikTok controversy, emphasizing the economic strength of tariffs:
“We hope to continue working in Good Faith with China, who I understand are not very happy about our Reciprocal Tariffs (Necessary for Fair and Balanced Trade between China and the U.S.A.!). This proves that Tariffs are the most powerful Economic tool, and very important to our National Security!”
Meanwhile, tensions escalated further as China filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization. According to BBC News, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce claims Trump’s sweeping tariffs “seriously violate WTO rules.”
As the global economic chess match intensifies, one thing is clear: Trump’s tariff strategy has reignited a fierce debate over trade, sovereignty, and the balance of global power.
Trump Declares April 2 ‘Liberation Day’ as Global Tariff War Erupts
In a dramatic announcement he branded “Liberation Day” for the U.S., Donald Trump on April 2 unveiled sweeping new tariffs aimed at reshaping the global trade landscape. The centerpiece? A 25% tariff on all foreign-made automobiles and a blanket 10% duty on most imported goods starting April 5 — sparing only those from USMCA countries (Mexico, Canada, and the United States).
For non-compliant nations, the tariff spikes to 25%. UK imports will face a 10% tax, while the European Union will be hit with a 20% surcharge. But the harshest blow was reserved for China, which Trump labeled a top “trade abuser,” slapping Chinese goods with a staggering 54% total tariff.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned other nations not to overreact, calling for restraint and “no rash retaliation.” Beijing, however, responded swiftly — and forcefully.
China Strikes Back
China announced a 34% retaliatory tariff on U.S. goods, effective April 10. Trump quickly fired back on Truth Social, declaring:
“CHINA PLAYED IT WRONG, THEY PANICKED – THE ONE THING THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO DO!”
He added in a follow-up post referencing TikTok and broader U.S.-China tensions:
“We hope to continue working in Good Faith with China, who I understand are not very happy about our Reciprocal Tariffs (Necessary for Fair and Balanced Trade between China and the U.S.A.!). This proves that Tariffs are the most powerful Economic tool, and very important to our National Security!”
But the conflict has now moved beyond tariffs alone.
Rare Earths in the Crosshairs
In addition to retaliatory duties, Beijing’s Ministry of Commerce announced new export controls on rare earth elements — critical components in high-tech products ranging from computer chips to electric vehicle batteries. The move escalates economic tensions, potentially disrupting global supply chains in key industries.
A Chinese spokesperson doubled down on the criticism, saying:
“This is a typical unilateral bullying practice that endangers the stability of the global economic and trade order. China firmly opposes this.”
Legal Battle Looms
China has also filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization, alleging that the U.S. tariff policy “damages the legitimate rights and interests of WTO members” and violates the international trade body’s rules, according to BBC News.
With both sides digging in, what began as a bold economic maneuver has rapidly escalated into a full-scale trade confrontation — with ripple effects likely to be felt worldwide.
