Credit: Shealah Craighead, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump will implement tariffs of at least 104% on all Chinese imports starting Wednesday, according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
This latest move builds on prior trade measures enacted before Trump’s second term.
Initially, China was facing a 34% hike under Trump’s reciprocal tariff strategy.
However, following Beijing’s reaffirmation of a 34% retaliatory tariff on U.S. goods, the administration imposed an additional 50%, bringing total tariffs on Chinese imports to over 100%.
“China is making a mistake by retaliating instead of negotiating,” Leavitt stated. “President Trump won’t back down.”
She added that while China “wants to make a deal,” it has yet to offer meaningful concessions.
China ranked as America’s second-largest source of imports last year, accounting for $439 billion in goods.
Economists warn the rising tariffs could harm U.S. industries and jobs.
China’s Commerce Ministry condemned the decision as “a mistake upon a mistake” and pledged countermeasures.
Meanwhile, other nations — including EU members — face tariffs of 11% to 50%, set to begin at midnight.
Despite global diplomatic pushback, the White House insists the measures will proceed, with only custom “tailor-made” deals considered for exceptions.
