by Lloyd's List

9 April 2025 (Lloyd's List) - CHINA will impose reciprocal tariffs of 84% on US goods as the trade war between the two nations continues to escalate.

On April 8, President Trump signed an executive order increasing tariffs on Chinese goods to 84% from the 34% previously announced. On top of the 20% already levied against Beijing, that brings total tariffs on Chinese imports to 104%.

The executive order cites Beijing’s decision to retaliate as the reason behind the increase and follows through on a threat made by President Trump on social media platform Truth Social to increase tariffs should Beijing not withdraw its retaliation.

In response to this latest increase, China’s State Council Tariff Commission announced that it too would impose tariffs of 84% on US imports, taking effect from April 10.

“The US’ practice of escalating tariffs on China is a mistake on top of a mistake, which seriously infringes on China’s legitimate rights and interests and seriously damages the rules-based multilateral trading system,” the administration said in its announcement.

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told state media outlet Xinhua that the US tariffs were “typical unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying, and has been widely opposed by the international community”.

The trade war shows no signs of slowing down either, with Lin telling Xinhua that China was ready to “fight to the end” if “the US ignores the interests of the two countries and the international community and insists on fighting tariff wars and trade wars”.