China Strikes Back with 84% Tariffs After Trump Escalates Trade War
China has fired back at the U.S. with steep new tariffs, raising duties on American imports to 84% just hours after President Trump ramped up tariffs on Chinese goods to a staggering 104%. The latest move deepens the already heated trade war between the two economic giants, with China calling the U.S. actions “a mistake upon a mistake” and accusing Washington of “economic bullying.”
Beijing also slapped export controls on U.S. companies and blacklisted 11 firms—many tied to military contracts—effectively banning them from doing business in China. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the U.S. must show “equality, respect and mutual benefit” if it truly wants to talk. But so far, both sides are digging in. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent shrugged off China’s response, saying, “They can raise their tariffs. But so what?”
This latest clash comes after Trump’s April 2nd decision to impose “reciprocal tariffs” on nearly all trading partners, prompting China’s initial 34% countertariff. The back-and-forth is already shaking global markets, pushing major indexes into bear territory and rattling investors. Experts warn U.S. consumers may feel the pinch next, as companies hit with steep import fees are likely to raise prices on everything from electronics to clothing.
