The United States has increased tariffs on goods imported from China by an additional 100 percent. With this, the total tariff on Chinese goods in the U.S. market has reached 245 percent.
The Trump administration made this decision in response to China’s move on April 11 to raise tariffs on American goods by 125 percent. The tariff hike was mentioned in a fact sheet published by the White House on Tuesday.
After the U.S. announced an additional increase in tariffs, China gave a strong response. Emphasizing the need for renewed dialogue with the United States, China stated, “We are not afraid of a trade war.”
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, said, “If the United States truly wants to resolve the issue through dialogue and understanding, it must stop applying unnecessary pressure, threats, and blackmail. Dialogue should be based on equality, respect, and mutual interest.”
Lin further added, “As for the 245 percent U.S. tariff increase—what items are taxed and by how much—you should ask the Americans. This tariff hike was initiated by the U.S., not by us. We are simply responding to the U.S. actions—our response is reasonable and lawful.”
On Tuesday, U.S. President Trump said that the ball is now in China’s court. ‘China needs to come to an agreement with us,’ said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in a statement she read aloud.
Responding on behalf of Beijing on Wednesday, Lin said, “It was the United States that initiated this tariff war. China’s position is clear—there are no winners in a tariff or trade war. This means China does not want a war, but if necessary, it is not afraid to face one.”
Ministry spokesman Lin Jian
According to a Bloomberg report, the Chinese government has ordered its airline companies not to purchase new aircraft from American manufacturer Boeing. Additionally, they have been instructed to halt the purchase of aircraft parts and devices made in the United States.
This decision came at a time when the Trump administration imposed a 145 percent tariff increase on Chinese goods.
Boeing is the largest export company in the United States and the third-largest defense contractor in the world.
Earlier, in response to the United States, China also imposed a ban on the export of seven types of rare and valuable metals. These metals are considered essential for industries that manufacture cars, drones, robots, and missiles.
According to the order issued on April 4, these metals and the special magnets made from them can now only be exported from China with a special permit.
This decision by China is expected to impact the automobile, aerospace, and semiconductor industries. As a result, the prices of cars, aircraft, electronic chips, and weapons may rise. The decision is likely to affect not only the United States but also several other developed economies around the world.
