China Imposes 84% Retaliatory Tariffs on US goods in Response to Trump
- Victor Nwoko
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
China reiterated its commitment to fully countering U.S. trade actions on Wednesday as it announced sweeping new tariffs on American goods, raising the rate to 84% starting Thursday. The move is part of an intensifying trade conflict following a recent decision by the United States to increase tariffs on Chinese imports to 104%.
In response to the U.S. escalation, China unveiled a series of retaliatory measures. These included a new suit filed against the United States at the World Trade Organization and further restrictions on American companies trading with Chinese entities. In a statement accompanying a newly released white paper on trade, the Ministry of Commerce declared, “If the U.S. insists on further escalating its economic and trade restrictions, China has the firm will and abundant means to take necessary countermeasures and fight to the end.”
The Chinese government did not confirm whether it was open to renewing trade negotiations with the White House, despite several other countries pursuing talks with the U.S. in recent weeks.
On Friday, China had already announced a 34% tariff on all American imports, along with export controls on rare earth minerals and other measures. These were issued in direct response to President Donald Trump’s latest tariffs, dubbed “Liberation Day” tariffs, which added a further 50% levy on Chinese goods. Trump stated that negotiations with China were officially terminated.
Wednesday's announcement also included the addition of 11 U.S. companies to China's “unreliable entities” list. This designation bars Chinese firms from selling dual-use goods—products that can be used for both civilian and military applications—to the listed companies. Among those named were American Photonics and SYNEXXUS, both of which have links to the U.S. military.
Chinese officials made it clear that they see little room for diplomacy under the current terms. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Lin Jian said, “If the U.S. truly wants to resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation, it should adopt an attitude of equality, respect and mutual benefit.”
The white paper further criticized the United States for failing to meet its obligations under the phase one trade deal signed during Trump’s first term. It cited, for example, the recent U.S. law threatening to ban TikTok unless it is sold by its Chinese parent company. The paper argued that such legislation violates provisions in the agreement that neither party would pressure the other into transferring technology to domestic entities.
President Trump recently signed an executive order allowing TikTok to continue operations for an additional 75 days after a proposed sale to American owners was stalled. Representatives from TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, reportedly informed the White House that China would not approve the deal unless broader trade negotiations were resumed.
In addition, the white paper asserted that, when factoring in trade in services and operations of American companies within China, the overall economic exchange between the two countries is essentially balanced. It noted that in 2023, China had a $26.57 billion deficit in trade in services with the U.S., encompassing sectors like insurance, banking, and accounting. The paper contended that Trump’s tariffs were focused solely on tangible goods, overlooking the broader economic picture.
“History and facts have proven that the United States’ increase in tariffs will not solve its own problems,” the Chinese commerce ministry’s statement said. “Instead, it will trigger sharp fluctuations in financial markets, push up U.S. inflation pressure, weaken the U.S. industrial base and increase the risk of a U.S. economic recession, which will ultimately only backfire on itself.”
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