US-China trade war: China claps back with 84% tariffs on US goods

In a Tit for Tat response, China has raised tariffs on U.S. goods to 84%, effective from Thursday April 10, 2025, deepening tensions in the ongoing trade dispute with Washington.

The decision was announced Wednesday April 9, a day after President Trump increased tariffs on Chinese imports to a record 104%.

Beijing, in response, vowed to “fight to the end” if the United States escalates further economic and trade restrictions.

China’s Ministry of Commerce said it has the capacity and determination to take necessary countermeasures against American economic aggression.

In addition, Beijing has filed a fresh suit against Washington at the World Trade Organization over recent tariff hikes.

The Chinese government also imposed new restrictions on trade between U.S. and Chinese firms in sensitive sectors.

Eleven American companies have been added to China’s “unreliable entities” list, including SYNEXXUS and American Photonics.

These firms will now face bans on purchases of Chinese dual-use goods critical to military and industrial operations.

Earlier on Friday, April 4, China imposed a 34% tariff on all American goods entering the country, alongside rare earth export controls.

President Trump retaliated by announcing a 50% tariff hike, while declaring that negotiations with Beijing had been terminated.

China has remained firm, refusing to confirm whether it would return to the negotiation table with the White House.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian said dialogue must be based on equality, mutual respect, and shared benefits.

The newly released white paper accused Washington of violating previous agreements signed under Trump’s first term in office.

It cited the U.S. TikTok divestment bill as evidence of broken promises not to force technology transfers.

ByteDance reportedly contacted the U.S. government after the deal to sell TikTok was paused by Chinese regulators.

Trump recently signed a 75-day extension for TikTok operations while awaiting fresh negotiations over trade and data concerns.

The white paper maintained that China’s trade in services deficit with the U.S. reached.

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