In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing trade war between the world’s two largest economies, China has retaliated against the United States by raising tariffs on American goods to a staggering 125%, mirroring the U.S.’s earlier move.
The Chinese government, through its customs authority, issued a blistering statement accusing Washington of “economic bullying” and flouting international trade norms. The strongly worded communiqué, obtained by SaharaReporters, underscored Beijing’s resolve to defend its economic interests amid mounting hostilities from the U.S.
“On April 10, 2025, the U.S. government announced that the ‘reciprocal tariff’ on Chinese exports would be raised to 125%. This act constitutes a severe violation of international economic and trade rules, disregards fundamental economic logic, and exemplifies unilateral coercion,” the Chinese statement declared.
The retaliatory measures, approved by China’s State Council, take effect from April 12, 2025, and target a wide array of American imports. The tariffs—previously set at 84%—have now been elevated to match the U.S. figure of 125%, according to the “Announcement of the State Council Tariff Commission on Adjusting the Tariff Measures on Imports Originating in the United States” (Tax Commission Announcement No. 5 of 2025).
China’s message was clear: it will not yield. “Given the current tariff levels, the Chinese market has no interest in U.S. goods. Should the U.S. persist in its aggressive tariff strategy, China will respond with further indifference and calculated force,” the statement warned.
The announcement also reiterated China’s adherence to its own legal frameworks, citing the Tariff Law, Customs Law, and Foreign Trade Law of the People’s Republic of China, all underpinned by the guiding principles of international law.
Tensions surged further when SaharaReporters earlier reported that U.S. President Donald Trump had announced a partial pause on the sweeping reciprocal tariffs—excluding China. In what many analysts interpret as a deliberate provocation, Trump escalated tariffs on Chinese imports from 104% to 125%, while boasting that “some countries were kissing his ass, pleading to negotiate.”
This incendiary rhetoric, coupled with the punitive tariff measures, has sent shockwaves through global markets and reignited fears of a prolonged and bruising trade conflict.
Experts warn that the latest tit-for-tat maneuver could severely impact global supply chains, drive up prices for consumers, and strain diplomatic relations even further. With both sides digging in, the world watches anxiously as economic diplomacy teeters on the edge of collapse.
PIONEER NEWS 