China on Friday retaliated against the United States by slapping a surprising 125% tariff on American imports.
This is Beijing’s response to Washington’s decision to ramp up its tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, worsening an already tense situation.
The new measures increase the chasm between the two global superpowers, raising serious worries about the stability of international trade and global supply chains.
China’s Finance Ministry wasted no time in denouncing the United States’ actions. In an official statement, they lambasted Washington’s tariff hikes, accusing them of violating international trade rules and “common sense”.
“The U.S. imposition of abnormally high tariffs on China seriously violates international and economic trade rules, basic economic laws and common sense and is completely unilateral bullying and coercion,” the ministry stated.
The escalation comes on the heels of Washington’s decision to impose higher tariffs on Chinese imports, further impacting relations. With the White House’s relentless pressure, Beijing has responded with sharp measures, raising tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%, up from an earlier 84%.
This is a direct consequence of President Donald Trump’s executive order, which increased the duties on Chinese imports.
While the United States has confirmed its tariffs now stand at 145%, China’s response has been equally firm, leaving little room for diplomatic reconciliation.
In a pointed message, China’s Finance Ministry added that the U.S. tariffs have created a scenario where “there is no longer a market for U.S. goods imported into China.” They went on to express their intent to continue pushing back with further measures, if necessary, to protect their economic interests.
Zhiwei Zhang, president and chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management, commented that the current standoff signals an end to the escalation of tariff rates. According to him, the next logical step would be an assessment of the economic damage inflicted on both the U.S. and Chinese economies, though there’s little indication that negotiations are forthcoming.
Zhang suggested that the real fallout from these trade tensions may be felt in the disruption of global supply chains, which could have long-lasting consequences.
Despite the confrontations, China has refrained from expanding its export control measures, choosing instead to maintain a level of restraint that could leave the door open for future talks. However, the Chinese government has been clear in its stand: if the U.S. continues to press on with tariffs, China will “resolutely counter-attack and fight to the end.”
On the other side of the issue, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has dismissed China’s position, claiming that Beijing’s reluctance to negotiate is a mistake. “It’s unfortunate that the Chinese actually don’t want to come and negotiate, because they are the worst offenders in the international trading system,” Bessent said, adding that the U.S. has long borne the brunt of China’s economic imbalances.
The economic toll on both nations is beginning to show. Goldman Sachs recently downgraded its forecast for China’s GDP, pointing to the impact of trade tensions and slower global growth.
Though U.S. exports to China account for a small portion of its GDP, the indirect effects of the trade war are being felt, particularly in employment. Around 10 to 20 million Chinese workers are directly involved in industries dependent on exports to the U.S.
Meanwhile, in a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a pointed comment, acknowledging the harm caused by the escalating tariff war. “There is no winner in a tariff war, and going against the world will only isolate itself,” Xi said, stressing the global ramifications of the ongoing conflict.
While some may have hoped for a shift in strategy, it seems that both Beijing and Washington are committed to their respective courses.
With the U.S. market issues, with the S&P 500 in bear territory and oil prices plummeting, the pressure climbs on businesses and consumers who are now caught in the crossfire of this trade war.
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