by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

In a recent escalation of trade tensions, US President Donald Trump has warned China that an additional 50% tariff on goods imported into the United States will be imposed if it does not withdraw its 34% counter-tariff.

Beijing's retaliation came on Sunday, following Trump's decision last week to impose a 34% tax on Chinese imports.

In a social media post, Trump gave China until Tuesday to remove its countermeasure or face the new 50% tariff.

According to a BBC report, if Trump follows through on his threat, US companies could be subjected to a total tariff rate of 104% on Chinese imports, considering the existing 20% tariffs implemented in March and the 34% announced last week.

Linerlytica's latest report indicates that after a strong start in the first two months of the year, container cargo demand declined in March.

Current projections suggest that full-year container volumes will decrease by 1.1% in 2025.

Furthermore, according to CNBC, the combined impact of new and existing tariffs is constructing a near-$1 trillion trade barrier around the United States.

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