Trump to Implement Additional Levies After China Misses Deadline

What Happened?

White House officials announced Tuesday that duties of more than 100% are set to take effect on Chinese imports after a key deadline was missed.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he was waiting to hear from China in a sign that some viewed as a last-minute negotiation.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the U.S. is now set to impose additional levies Wednesday across all Chinese imports after failure to hear from China.

A trade war with the world's second-largest economic power appears imminent as China is subject to a tariff of at least 104%.

China’s commerce ministry reportedly accused the U.S. Tuesday of 'blackmail' and vowed to 'fight to the end' after Trump's increased threats.

Beijing's response to 'resolutely take countermeasures' is the latest in a tit-for-tat between the two countries on the verge of a tariff battle.

The U.S. readied actions to impose additional levies of 50% if Beijing did not reverse its own 34% reciprocal tariff.

Why it Matters

Trump has moved swiftly with his global trade agenda which has raised fears of recession in 2025.

Trump took to Truth Social regarding his decision to pressure China after what he calls 'massive long-term currency manipulation.'

He also accused China of issuing retaliatory tariffs on top of record-setting tariffs, non-monetary tariffs, and 'illegal subsidization of companies.'

China's retaliatory actions came despite Trump's warning to other countries that planned to issue additional tariffs on the U.S.

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

Trump still believed a resolution with China might have been possible.

White House officials stated that China would still have had to take a back seat behind other countries.

‘[President Trump] obviously prioritizes two of our closest allies and trading partners Japan and Korea,' White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett told Fox News.

Hopes for future talks will more than likely be terminated.

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

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

How it Affects You

The additional levies could reportedly impact future prices involving imports from the U.S.’s third-largest trading partner.

Trump still sees these approaches as a way to boost U.S. manufacturing and bring back more jobs lost to other countries from outsourcing.

Trump's quest to 'rectify trade practices' has been linked to the biggest upheaval surrounding global trade norms since World War II.

Economists warn the new taxes will result in higher prices for the average consumer and slower growth overall.