Washington/Beijing - The Trump administration announced sweeping tariffs targeting Chinese imports, including a 34% levy on building glass and other key industrial products, effective April 9, 2025. The move, part of a broader policy to establish a 10% "baseline tariff" on all trading partners, aims to "end foreign exploitation of U.S. markets" and incentivize domestic manufacturing, according to U.S. officials. China swiftly responded with proportional countermeasures, escalating trade tensions between the two economic giants.
U.S. Imposes 34% Tariffs on Chinese Goods, Total Duties Reach 54%
The U.S. announced new 34% tariffs on Chinese imports, on top of existing 20% duties, bringing the total tariff rate to 54%-the highest among U.S. trading partners.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the combined rate, stating it reflects the Trump administration's stance on trade imbalances.
China's Swift Retaliation: 34% Tariffs on All U.S. Imports
In response, China announced 34% tariffs on all U.S. goods, effective April 10, 2025, alongside export controls on rare earth materials (e.g., samarium, gadolinium) and sanctions on 11 U.S. firms under its "Unreliable Entity List"39.
China also filed a WTO complaint, accusing the U.S. of violating global trade rules.
Economic Impact & Trade War Escalation
Analysts note that China's $361B trade surplus with the U.S. (2024) makes its retaliatory tariffs symbolic, as U.S. exports (energy, agriculture) are harder to replace than Chinese industrial goods.
The move could disrupt global supply chains, particularly in semiconductors, EVs, and rare earths, where China dominates production.
Political Reactions
Trump dismissed China's response as a "panic move," claiming it would backfire15.
The EU, Canada, and Mexico also criticized U.S. tariffs, signaling a broader trade conflict
