China hits back with 34% tariff on US goods

Beijing

China has imposed a 34% tariff on all goods coming from the United States, intensifying the trade conflict just a day after President Donald Trump announced fresh import taxes targeting multiple countries. This move marks the first direct retaliation from a global power, signaling rising risks of a full-scale trade war.

China’s State Council Tariff Commission criticized the U.S. action, saying it was “not in line with international trade rules, seriously undermines China’s legitimate rights and interests, and is a typical unilateral bullying practice.”

In addition to tariffs, China is placing 16 American companies on its export control list and identifying 11 more as “unreliable.” The Commerce Ministry said, “The purpose of the Chinese government’s implementation of export controls on relevant items in accordance with the law is to better safeguard national security and interests, and to fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation.”

Trump had earlier imposed a 34% reciprocal tariff on all Chinese imports, following two rounds of 10% tariffs introduced in February and March. The White House claimed these were meant to counter illegal fentanyl exports from China.

Trump also presented a chart comparing tariffs by trade partners, calling their practices “cheating.” He said the U.S. would now apply tariffs at about half the rate others impose on American goods.

Despite the tensions, Trump stated, “I have great respect for President Xi, great respect for China, but they were taking tremendous advantage of us… they’re going to fight.”

After China’s announcement of steep retaliatory tariffs, U.S. President Donald Trump assured investors that his economic stance would not change, even as global markets faced continued volatility for the second day.