According to a Fox Business report, the Trump Administration plans to increase China tariffs to 104% after China refused to lift its retaliatory tariffs against the U.S.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that China’s refusal to lift its retaliatory tariff triggered the president’s additional 50% tariff—on top of existing 20% and 34% tariffs—raising the total tariff on Chinese goods to 104%.
She said the new tariffs took effect at noon Eastern Time on Tuesday, with collection starting Wednesday. Leavitt added that U.S. trading partners should be approaching the administration with proposals to improve trade terms.
“The president’s message has been simple and consistent from the beginning to countries around the world – bring us your best offers and he will listen,” Leavitt said during a White House press briefing Tuesday. “Deals will only be made if they benefit American workers and address our nation’s crippling trade deficits.”
Karoline Leavitt following President Trump’s 104% tariff slap on China going into effect tonight:
“It was a mistake for China to retaliate. When America is punched, we punch back harder. There will be 104% tariffs going into effect on China tonight…”
pic.twitter.com/nMrgbr0NPI— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 8, 2025
Leavitt said China’s retaliatory tariffs prompted Trump to raise duties on Chinese imports—an example of the consequences other countries could face if they take similar actions.
“On the other hand, countries like China, who have chosen to retaliate, and try to double down on their mistreatment of American workers are making a mistake,” she said.
“President Trump has a spine of steel and he will not break, and America will not break under his leadership. He is guided by a firm belief that America must be able to produce essential goods for our own people and export them to the rest of the world,” Leavitt said. “A strong America cannot be solely dependent on foreign countries for our food, medicines, and critical minerals, and America must always maintain a robust defense supply chain.”
Meanwhile, China is refusing to back down.
“The U.S. side’s threat to escalate tariffs against China is a mistake on top of a mistake, once again exposing the American side’s blackmailing nature,” China’s commerce ministry said.
“If the U.S. insists on having its way, China will fight to the end,” it added.
More over at Fox Business:
China promises to ‘fight to the end’ amid trade war ignited by Trump https://t.co/tJaEksfBz6
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) April 8, 2025
