US-China trade war: China Hikes Tariffs on US Goods to 84%, Vows to “Fight to the End” in Escalating Trade War

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Beijing, April 9, 2025 — In a major escalation of the ongoing US-China trade war, China has announced that it will raise tariffs on American imports to 84% starting Thursday. The move comes in response to US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to hike total tariffs on Chinese goods to 104%.

In a bold statement, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce declared that the country is ready to “fight to the end” if the United States continues to impose aggressive economic and trade restrictions.

China Strikes Back with Multiple Countermeasures

Alongside the tariff hike, Beijing introduced a series of countermeasures aimed at retaliating against Washington’s tough stance. These include:

• A 34% tariff on all US-imported goods, announced Friday
• Export controls on rare earth minerals, crucial for global electronics and defense manufacturing
• Addition of 11 American companies to an “unreliable entities” list, including American Photonics and SYNEXXUS, which work closely with the US military
• A new lawsuit filed at the World Trade Organization (WTO) targeting US trade actions

These aggressive steps signal that China is prepared to go head-to-head with the US as the trade dispute intensifies.

Trump Shuts Door on Talks, China Calls for Equality

President Trump recently announced what he called “Liberation Day” tariffs — a 50% additional levy on Chinese imports — stating that negotiations with China were “terminated.” In contrast, Chinese officials have kept the door open to future dialogue but insist on a foundation of mutual respect and equality.

“If the US truly wants to resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation, it should adopt an attitude of equality, respect, and mutual benefit,” said Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

US-China Trade War: A Global Concern

With two of the world’s largest economies now locked in a full-blown trade war, analysts warn of ripple effects across global markets. Industries from semiconductors to agriculture are bracing for further disruption, while investors are watching closely for signs of escalation or a potential thaw.

China’s new white paper on trade relations with the US highlights its readiness to safeguard national interests, even at the cost of prolonged economic friction.

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🔍 Key Takeaways:

• China raises tariffs to 84% on US goods effective Thursday
• New WTO complaint filed by China against the US
• Export controls on rare earth minerals introduced
• 11 US firms blacklisted, including defense-related companies
• China calls for mutual respect if talks are to resume