Communist China Strikes Back: Slaps 84% Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods in Direct Response to Trump

Beijing, April 9, 2025 – In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing trade war between the world’s two largest economies, Communist China has announced a staggering 84% retaliatory tariff on all U.S. goods, effective April 10. The move comes as a direct counterpunch to President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 104% tariff on Chinese imports, which took effect earlier today, intensifying fears of a global economic showdown.

China’s Finance Ministry unveiled the new tariffs on Wednesday, raising the previous 34% levy by an additional 50%, signaling Beijing’s refusal to back down in the face of Trump’s aggressive trade policies. “The U.S.’s practice of escalating tariffs on China is a mistake on top of a mistake, which seriously infringes on China’s legitimate rights and interests,” the ministry stated, accusing the U.S. of undermining the rules-based multilateral trading system (Reuters, “China will impose 84% tariffs on US goods,” April 9, 2025).

The announcement follows Trump’s decision to hike tariffs on Chinese goods to 104%, a policy rooted in his “reciprocal tariffs” framework aimed at addressing perceived trade imbalances and pressuring Beijing on issues like fentanyl trafficking. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move, stating, “Countries like China, who have chosen to retaliate and try to double down on their mistreatment of American workers, are making a mistake” (CNN Business, “Tariffs on China set to rise to at least 104% on Wednesday,” April 8, 2025). Trump himself took to Truth Social, urging U.S. companies to relocate domestically, writing, “This is a GREAT time to move your COMPANY into the United States of America. ZERO TARIFFS… DON’T WAIT, DO IT NOW!” (BBC News, “Trump tariffs live updates,” April 8, 2025).

China’s retaliation extends beyond tariffs. The country’s Commerce Ministry added 12 U.S. entities to its export control list and six to its “unreliable entities” list, targeting firms like American Photonics and SYNEXXUS, which have ties to the U.S. military. Beijing also reaffirmed export curbs on rare earth minerals—critical components in high-tech manufacturing—further tightening the screws on U.S. industries (CBS News, “China hikes tariffs on U.S. goods to 84%,” April 9, 2025). In a symbolic jab, China filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO), arguing that Trump’s tariffs violate international trade rules (Al Jazeera, “China hits back at Trump tariffs with 34% tax on US goods,” April 4, 2025).

The tit-for-tat measures have rattled global markets, with U.S. stock indexes like the Dow dropping 320 points and the Nasdaq sliding 2.15% on Tuesday (CNN Business, “Tariffs on China set to rise,” April 8, 2025). Analysts warn that the escalating trade war could tip the global economy into recession, with JP Morgan estimating a 60% chance by year’s end (NPR, “China retaliates with new 84% tariffs,” April 9, 2025). “This is an aggressive, escalatory response that makes a near-term deal to end the trade war highly unlikely,” noted Capital Economics (NPR, “Trade war escalates as China hits back,” April 4, 2025).

China’s state media has struck a defiant tone, with commentators mocking other nations for “begging” Washington for tariff relief while portraying Beijing as a champion of multilateral trade. “History and facts have proven that the United States’ increase in tariffs will not solve its own problems,” the Commerce Ministry declared (Euronews, “China imposes 84% tariff on US goods,” April 9, 2025). Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Li Qiang expressed confidence in weathering the storm, claiming the country has “ample policy tools” to offset external shocks (Hindustan Times, “China hits back at Donald Trump with 84% retaliatory tariff,” April 9, 2025).

The U.S. response was swift. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called China’s retaliation “unfortunate” and urged Beijing to “come to the table,” though negotiations appear stalled (Hindustan Times, April 9, 2025). Trump’s tariffs, now averaging nearly 125% on Chinese goods when combined with prior levies, mark a sharp departure from the 20.8% rate under the Biden administration (CNN Business, “China imposes 34% reciprocal tariffs,” April 4, 2025). 17GEN4.com