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In a bold and controversial move, the Trump administration has confirmed that the United States will proceed with a 104% total tariff on Chinese imports, combining a new 50% duty with a previously announced 34% retaliatory tariff. The tariffs will officially take effect Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. ET.
🏛️ A High-Stakes Gamble in Global Trade
This renewed trade offensive marks one of the most aggressive protectionist strategies in modern U.S. history. The White House stated that this action is part of President Trump’s “America First” policy framework aimed at correcting decades of “unfair trade practices.”
🗣️ White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said:
“It was a mistake for China to retaliate. When America is punched, [the president] punches back harder. That’s why there will be 104% tariffs going into effect on China tonight at midnight.”
💥 Market Response & Diplomatic Fallout
U.S. stock markets, which had been trending upwards amid Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s attempt to encourage fresh negotiations, tumbled sharply after the announcement.
China, on the other hand, vowed to “fight to the end” in what is now being described as Trade War 2.0.
📉 Timeline of the Tariff Escalation
- Monday: China responds with a 34% retaliatory tariff
- Tuesday: Trump announces additional 50% duties, raising the effective rate to 104%
- Wednesday: Tariffs officially go into effect at 12:01 a.m. ET
- Ongoing: Broader talks begin with Japan and South Korea, with Trump signaling more tariffs if deals are not made
🗣️ President Trump, via social media:
“China also wants to make a deal, badly, but they don’t know how to get it started. We are waiting for their call.”
🌎 What Comes Next?
Trump confirmed that similar measures are being considered against other countries, with comprehensive new duties across 185 countries expected to follow soon.
🗣️ “We’re going to get fair deals and good deals with every country, and if we don’t, then we’re going to have nothing to do with them,” he declared at the White House on Monday.