Trump Threatens Additional 50% Tariff Measures on China

What Happened?

President Donald Trump threatened to impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports as he swiftly pushes forward with his global trade agenda.

U.S. stock markets continued to react wildly on Monday amid the ongoing global trade climate and the growing concern of a 2025 recession.

Trump took to Truth Social regarding his decision to pressure China after they imposed a 34% reciprocal tariff measure Friday.

'China issued retaliatory tariffs of 34%, on top of their already record-setting tariffs, non-monetary tariffs, illegal subsidization of companies, and massive long-term currency manipulation,' said Trump.

China's actions came despite warning against any country that planned to retaliate by issuing additional tariffs on the U.S.

In response, Trump said that any country that does so 'will be immediately met with new and substantially higher tariffs, over and above those initially set.'

Trump added, ‘If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long-term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9^th.’

All talks with China concerning their requested meetings with the U.S. will also be terminated, the president stated.

The Trump administration has reportedly continued its negotiations with Japan and Israel.

Why it Matters

China accused the U.S. on Monday of unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying with tariffs, according to reports.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters that putting 'America First' over international rules harms global production and impacts economic recovery.

They have called on American representatives of companies such as Tesla to 'take concrete actions' to help mitigate.

If the additional 50% levy is implemented, it could reportedly impact future prices involving imports from the U.S.’s third-largest trading partner.

China said last week that it imposed its reciprocal tariff measure in response to Trump, who unveiled a baseline tariff of 10% on all goods coming into the U.S.

China, as a result, could reach tariffs as high as 54%.

The previously announced tariffs against China are to address the threat of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, flowing into the U.S., according to the Trump administration.

But Trump's announcement also aims to boost U.S. manufacturing and bring back more jobs through these tariff actions.

How it Affects You

Some have pointed to Trump's moves on tariffs as the biggest upheaval since World War II surrounding global trade norms.

The Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq indexes have all experienced some of their worst days reportedly in five years.

Trump's quest to 'rectify trade practices' has brought forth his vision of addressing the annual trade deficits despite the risk that may follow.

Economists warn the new taxes will result in higher prices and slower growth as Trump pushes for the feds to cut rates.