The POTUS took to Truth Social to announce the new tariffs after claiming China had ‘played it wrong’
Donald Trump has threatened to implement additional tariffs against China after the country hit back to his ‘Liberation Day’ charges.
A Trade Earthquake: U.S. Strikes with 54% Tariffs on China
On April 2, the President of the United States delivered a seismic blow in the ongoing trade war by imposing sweeping tariffs totaling 54 percent on Chinese imports—combining fresh levies with existing duties. Proclaiming it a landmark moment, he declared it “the day American industry was reborn, the day America’s destiny was reclaimed, and the day we began to Make America Wealthy Again.”
The move sent shockwaves through global markets and provoked swift backlash from Beijing. In a retaliatory strike, China announced a 34 percent tariff on U.S. goods, set to take effect April 10. Beyond tariffs, China escalated tensions by suspending imports of American sorghum, poultry, and bonemeal from select companies and initiating legal proceedings against the U.S. at the World Trade Organization—alleging the new duties flouted international trade laws.
Trump Fires Back After China’s Retaliation: “They Played It Wrong”
Former President Trump wasted no time in blasting China’s retaliatory tariffs, taking to Truth Social with a fiery response. Unimpressed and undeterred, he declared that China had “played it wrong.”
“THEY PANICKED — THE ONE THING THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO DO!” he wrote, criticizing Beijing’s swift move to impose a 34% tariff on American goods.
Now, doubling down, Trump has issued a stark warning in another Truth Social post—making it crystal clear that further escalation will come at a cost.
“Yesterday, China issued Retaliatory Tariffs of 34%, on top of their already record-setting Tariffs, Non-Monetary Tariffs, Illegal Subsidization of companies, and massive long-term Currency Manipulation,” he stated.
“Despite my warning that any country that retaliates against the U.S. with additional Tariffs—on top of their ongoing Tariff abuse—will be met with new and substantially higher tariffs, over and above those initially set.”
With tensions rapidly intensifying, Trump’s message leaves no doubt: the trade war is far from over, and the next move may define the economic battlefield for years to come.
Trump Issues Ultimatum to China: Withdraw Tariffs or Face 50% Hike
President Trump has escalated the U.S.-China trade showdown with a bold ultimatum, announcing via Truth Social that Beijing must walk back its retaliatory 34% tariff hike—or face crippling new penalties.
“Therefore, if China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long-term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025,” Trump declared,
“the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th.
Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated!”
Trump added that negotiations with other countries would begin immediately, signaling a pivot away from diplomacy with Beijing—unless China reverses course.
The hardline stance drew sharp criticism from Chinese officials. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian blasted the U.S. during a press conference, accusing Washington of “economic bullying.”
“Putting the U.S. first over international rules is a typical act of unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying,” Lin said.
In a thinly veiled response to Trump’s threats, he added:
“Pressure and threats are not the way to deal with China. China will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”
With tensions now at a boiling point, the world is watching to see whether diplomacy will re-emerge—or if a full-scale trade war is about to erupt.
