President Trump threatens additional 50% tariff on imports from China

WASHINGTON ― President Donald Trump on Monday threatened imposing an additional 50% tariff on imports from China if Beijing does not with withdraw its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports, doubling down on a trade policy that has sent markets plunging.

Yet despite escalating a trade war with the biggest economic rival of the U.S., Trump also opened the door to negotiating his recently imposed tariffs on goods from other nations.

Trump, in a post on Truth Social, slammed China for hitting the U.S. with 34% retaliatory tariffs last week in response to Trump’s steep universal tariffs.

“If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th,” Trump said. “Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated!"

Trump added that he plans to negotiate his new tariffs with leaders of other nations who have requested meetings.

"Negotiations with other countries, which have also requested meetings, will begin taking place immediately," Trump said.

Trump last week imposed a 10% minimum tariff on all imports and even higher reciprocal tariffs on the U.S.'s biggest trading partners, including China and the European Union. The baseline tariff went into effect Saturday, and the reciprocal tariffs will begin Wednesday.

President Donald Trump accompanied by Los Angeles Dodgers Owner and Chairman Mark Walter (R), speaks as he hosts the 2024 World Series champions in the East Room of the White House on April 07, 2025 in Washington, DC.

President Donald Trump accompanied by Los Angeles Dodgers Owner and Chairman Mark Walter (R), speaks as he hosts the 2024 World Series champions in the East Room of the White House on April 07, 2025 in Washington, DC.

The tariffs include a 34% tariff on rival China on top of recently imposed 20% tariffs on Chinese goods, meaning Chinese imports were effectively hit with a 54% tariff. China responded last Friday by becoming the first country to impose retaliatory tariffs.

Trump has argued that higher tariffs — which seek to roll back decades of globalization — are critical to rejuvenate America's declining domestic manufacturing sectors and create a level playing field with other countries that impose tariffs on U.S. exports.