In a major escalation of trade tensions, the United States has announced a sweeping 104% tariff on all goods imported from China, effective from midnight on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The White House confirmed that additional duties will start being collected from April 9.
President Donald Trump, in a statement released by his administration, said the tariffs were intended to “level the playing field” and counter what he described as decades of unfair trade practices by China. “For far too long, countries like China have looted American wealth and jobs,” Trump said, reiterating his stance that America must respond strongly to protect its industries and workers.
The move marks the sharpest escalation in the US-China trade standoff since the original tariff war during Trump’s previous term. Analysts expect the decision to trigger significant economic and diplomatic responses from Beijing, with potential ripple effects across global markets.
The White House has not clarified whether the new tariffs will be applied uniformly across product categories or adjusted for key sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and automotive parts.
With the tariff hike now in force, global supply chains are expected to face disruptions, and U.S. businesses relying on Chinese imports are bracing for a sharp increase in input costs starting April 9.
This development comes just days after Trump signed an executive order on reciprocal duties, reinforcing his administration’s intent to challenge trade imbalances.
