In a dramatic escalation of the U.S.-China trade war, President Donald Trump has announced a sharp hike in tariffs on Chinese imports, raising the rate from 104% to 125%, even as he temporarily suspended reciprocal tariffs on other countries.
Trump made the declaration via a Truth Social post on Wednesday, authorizing a 90-day halt on retaliatory tariffs for most nations—except China.
The pause also includes a reduction in the general reciprocal tariff rate to 10% during this period.
“China has shown no regard for global market principles,” Trump stated. “Effective immediately, we’re increasing tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%. The era of exploiting the United States is over.”
His remarks followed an earlier quote widely reported in the media, where Trump said some countries were “kissing his ass” and begging to negotiate.
Beijing responded defiantly, raising its counter-tariffs on American products from 34% to 84%, declaring its readiness to “fight to the end” against what it described as U.S. economic aggression.
The current standoff builds on previous tensions, as the White House deadline for China to withdraw its retaliatory duties expired earlier this week, triggering the initial hike to 104%.