Donald Trump is once again turning up the heat on China, threatening a massive 50% tariff hike on imported Chinese goods if Beijing doesn’t roll back its recent retaliatory trade measures. The bold statement, made Monday from the White House, came as global markets continued to slide for a third straight day amid growing trade tensions.
Trump made it clear he’s not entertaining any pause in his aggressive tariff strategy. “We’re not backing down. Many countries are now eager to strike fair deals with us,” he told reporters. “And we will get those deals.”
The proposed tariff hike is in response to China’s recent move to slap a 34% counter-tariff on American goods… an action Trump blasted on his Truth Social platform. “Despite my warning, China responded with more tariffs. If they don’t pull back by Tuesday, we’ll hit them with an additional 50%,” he wrote.
This new round of tariffs would be stacked on top of previous levies… including a 20% tariff from March and another 34% announced last week… bringing the total potential tariff rate on Chinese imports to a staggering 104%.
Last week, Trump dubbed the tariff plan “Liberation Day,” saying it marks a new era of trade that prioritizes American interests. The initial 34% tariff was positioned as part of a broader effort to reclaim fairness in global commerce.
During Monday’s remarks, Trump didn’t rule out permanent tariffs, even while leaving the door open for negotiations. “We’ll talk to China, and others, but the deals must be good… and fair. We’re $36 trillion in debt for a reason,” he said. “It’s America First now. No compromises.”
