Tariff war: China vows to ‘Fight to the end’ as Trump threatens fresh 50% levy on Chinese imports

In a Tit for Tat response, the China government on Tuesday April 8,2025, vowed to “fight to the end” following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to slam an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry described the planned tariff hike as “baseless” and labelled the move a “typical case of unilateral bullying” by Washington.

Trump, on Monday, fired off the warning via his Truth Social page, demanding that Beijing withdraw its 34% tariff increase or face steeper penalties starting April 9, 2025.

“If China does not withdraw… by tomorrow, April 8th, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%,” Trump stated.

Reacting, China defended its retaliatory moves, saying its countermeasures were necessary to protect its sovereignty, security, and development.

“These measures are fully legitimate,” the Commerce Ministry said, adding that the U.S. was making “a mistake on top of a mistake.”

“If the U.S. insists on its path, China will fight to the end,” the ministry declared.

Trump’s latest tariff threat has rattled financial markets globally, with investors fearing the deepening trade tensions could spark a full-blown economic war.

Market analysts expressed worry that the rising tariffs could increase prices for American consumers and push China to deepen ties with alternative partners, including the European Union.

Trump’s latest move adds to a growing list of tariff hikes targeting Chinese goods, including 20% penalties for alleged fentanyl trafficking and 34% tariffs announced just last week.

If enforced, the total U.S. tariff burden on Chinese products could hit a staggering 104%.

Meanwhile, Chinese citizens have reacted with a mix of concern and resilience. Wu Qi, a construction worker in Beijing, said: “Trump talks anyhow. Today it’s this, tomorrow it’s that. He just wants leverage.”

But Paul Wang, a jewellery trader, said he’s now focusing on the European market to cushion the impact.

“It’s serious. The U.S. is no longer reliable. We’re watching the competition closely,” he said.

Two importers, Jessi Huang and Yang Aijia, warned that retaliatory tariffs from China could cripple their operations and result in layoffs.

“I might lose my business. If I’m sacked, getting another job won’t be easy,” Huang told reporters.

Experts said China could still respond in various ways, such as halting anti-fentanyl cooperation, restricting U.S. financial firms, or tightening quotas on American farm products.

U.S.-China trade in 2024 was valued at $582 billion, with a trade deficit of over $260 billion on the U.S. side.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian brushed off Trump’s tough talk, saying: “The U.S. shows no sincerity for real dialogue. We demand equality and mutual respect.”

In Hong Kong, Chief Executive John Lee condemned the U.S. tariffs as “ruthless and bullying,” warning they pose serious threats to global trade.

Lee promised that Hong Kong would deepen ties with mainland China, sign new trade deals, and assist local businesses in navigating the fallout.

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