Beijing, April 11, 2025 — China has intensified its retaliation in the escalating trade dispute with the United States, announcing a steep increase in tariffs on American imports to 125 percent. The decision came in response to the Trump administration's earlier move to raise duties on Chinese products to a total of 145 percent, including an additional 20 percent hike introduced in January this year.
As per agency report, China’s Tariff Commission declared the new duties during a press briefing, warning that if the US pushes tariffs beyond this point, it would no longer be economically viable and would ultimately be remembered as a farcical moment in global economic history. The commission also emphasized that American imports are already untenable under the current tariff structure, and any further hikes would be ignored by China.
The new tariffs will take effect from Saturday and mark the latest move in a growing economic confrontation between the world’s two largest economies. The commission made it clear that China would not hesitate to escalate countermeasures if the US continues to undermine its economic interests, vowing to “fight till the end.”
Despite the tough rhetoric, Beijing signaled its openness to dialogue, stating it is still willing to negotiate with Washington to resolve the dispute. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has also filed a formal complaint against the US at the World Trade Organization (WTO) under its dispute settlement mechanism.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, during a media briefing, reiterated that China does not seek a trade war but is equally unafraid of one. He emphasized that no side wins in a tariff or trade war, and for any meaningful dialogue to happen, it must be rooted in equality, mutual respect, and shared benefit. Lin also criticized the US approach, calling for an end to what he described as a “maximum pressure strategy” and “irresponsible actions.”
China’s latest tariff hike signals an unyielding stance as tensions between the two countries threaten to destabilize global trade. The retaliatory move places further strain on bilateral relations, even as both sides face mounting pressure from domestic stakeholders and international observers to de-escalate the situation.
