by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

This week, the United States and China added new tension to the ongoing tariff war.

After the US implemented a 104% tariff on Chinese goods on 9 April, China announced an 84% tariff on US goods starting 10 April.

The US then responded again, raising tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%. But because of a current levy placed on businesses that manufacture fentanyl, US duties on Beijing might be higher, reaching 145% for certain goods.

In retaliation, Beijing increased its tariffs on US imports to 125% on Friday, 11 April, further escalating the trade conflict.

Meanwhile, the US had temporarily halted most of the reciprocal duties on numerous other countries.

China's 125% tariff hike on US goods marks a significant escalation in the trade war, which threatens to disrupt global supply chains.

On Sunday, April, Trump exempted smartphones, computers and some other electronic devices from this tariff, including semiconductors, solar cells and memory cards.

However, Reuters reports that the US will announce the tariff rate on imported semiconductors this week.

According to a BBC report, President Xi Jinping has called on the European Union to join Beijing in opposing the US measures.

Despite the escalating tensions, the option for a deal between Washington and Beijing remains on the table.

Stay ahead with the latest updates! Subscribe to our SeaNews newsletter for the most relevant information.