BREAKING: On April 9, China reaffirmed its determination to “fight to the end” in its ongoing trade dispute with the U.S., revealing plans to increase tariffs on American products to 84% starting from April 10.
This announcement followed the U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a new tariff of 104% on Chinese imports. In response, Beijing is pursuing additional legal action against the U.S. through the World Trade Organization and has implemented more stringent controls on trade between American companies and Chinese firms.
Earlier, on April 4, China had introduced a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports, along with export restrictions on rare earth minerals and other retaliatory measures after the U.S. announced tariffs termed “Liberation Day.” Trump escalated the situation by terminating negotiations and adding a further 50% tariff on Chinese goods.
As part of its latest counteractions, China has designated 11 U.S. companies, including American Photonics and Synexxus—both of which have ties to the U.S. military—as part of its “unreliable entities” list, thereby restricting their ability to purchase dual-use goods from Chinese suppliers.
China remains firm in its stance against compromise. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Lin Jian stated on April 9 that for genuine dialogue and resolution, the U.S. must approach with “equality, respect, and mutual benefit.”
The report also criticized the U.S. for not upholding its commitments from the initial phase of the trade agreement during Trump’s first term. It highlighted the U.S. legislation threatening to ban TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, unless sold, as a breach of agreement to not force technology transfers.
Recently, Trump extended TikTok’s operation in the U.S. by 75 days following a stalled deal to transfer ownership to American investors. This decision came after ByteDance communicated to the White House that China would withhold approval of the deal pending broader trade and tariff negotiations.
The Chinese commerce ministry issued a statement arguing that U.S. tariff increases will not remedy its economic challenges but are likely to exacerbate financial instability, increase inflationary pressures, undermine the industrial base, and heighten the risk of a recession in the U.S., ultimately proving counterproductive.
