Beijing to Raise Tariffs on U.S. Goods to 125%, Dismissing Further U.S. Actions
BEIJING:
China announced on Friday that it will raise tariffs on American imports to 125%, stating that additional U.S. measures would be disregarded, as continued trade with the U.S. under current conditions is no longer viable.
Amid a turbulent week of tit-for-tat trade restrictions between the world’s two largest economies, Chinese officials criticized President Donald Trump’s tariff tactics, calling them a “joke” and a meaningless “numbers game.”
Beijing accused Washington of sparking global market instability through its sweeping tariffs and insisted that the United States must take full responsibility for the economic disruption.
President Trump has used tariffs as a strategy to push global manufacturers toward relocating to the U.S. and to pressure other countries into reducing trade barriers. Despite a recent pause on some tariffs for 90 days, he has raised total levies on Chinese goods to 145%.
In response, China’s finance ministry announced its own increase to 125% starting Saturday, adding that it sees no value in further engaging with additional U.S. tariffs.
“At the current tariff rate, U.S. exports are no longer competitive in the Chinese market,” a commerce ministry spokesperson said. “If the U.S. continues to escalate tariffs, China will simply ignore them.”
Beijing also plans to file a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization over the latest U.S. tariff increases.
President Trump acknowledged that his tariff policy may cause “short-term challenges” but maintained confidence in its long-term benefits, saying, “In the end, it’s going to be a beautiful thing.”
While Trump praised the European Union for not immediately retaliating, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hinted at potential countermeasures, including digital services levies. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed that sentiment, urging the EU to stay prepared.
During talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for China and the EU to unite against what he described as “unilateral bullying,” emphasizing the need for global cooperation.
