Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on what he has labeled the “worst offenders” have officially come into effect, with China bearing the heaviest blow. As of 5am UK time, Chinese imports to the United States are now subject to a staggering 104 percent in total tariffs, marking the most severe escalation yet in the ongoing trade standoff between Washington and Beijing.
The White House confirmed that this move includes an additional 50 percent levy, layered atop earlier duties that already placed a 20 percent burden on Chinese goods. This follows last week’s imposition of a 34 percent tariff on specific imports from China, bringing the total cost to 104 percent. The administration cited China’s retaliatory behavior as justification for the dramatic increase.
According to an official document released by the White House, China’s own 34 percent tariff on US goods was expected to be raised to 84 percent within hours, a move seen as deeply provocative by US officials. In response, the White House declared that the United States had no choice but to act decisively to protect American industry and economic interests.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump remains confident China still wants to reach a deal with the US. She emphasized that the administration views China’s retaliation as a strategic misstep, adding that when America is hit, the president punches back even harder.
The current trade clash was triggered by the administration’s unveiling of a 34 percent “reciprocal” tariff on Chinese imports, aimed at countering what it described as years of unfair trade practices. China quickly responded with its own 34 percent countermeasure targeting US goods, setting the stage for the current tit-for-tat escalation.
Beijing’s Commerce Ministry responded strongly, pledging to fight to the end, while China’s Foreign Ministry accused the United States of economic bullying and attempting to destabilize global markets. The situation has rapidly evolved into a full-blown trade confrontation with wide-reaching consequences.
Beyond China, approximately 60 other nations have also been hit with tariffs under Trump’s new trade directive. These countries were labeled by the former president as the “worst offenders” in undermining American manufacturing. The European Union faces 20 percent tariffs, while Vietnam and Cambodia are being hit with 46 percent and 49 percent tariffs respectively.
The United Kingdom avoided being included on this list but was still subjected to a new baseline 10 percent global tariff that came into effect last Saturday. UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer addressed the situation over the weekend, saying the government stands ready to protect British businesses from the economic fallout.
The financial repercussions have been swift and severe. Since the initial tariff announcement last Wednesday, global stock markets have plunged. All three major US stock indexes have endured four straight days of losses. The S&P 500 has dropped by 1.49 percent, the Nasdaq Composite has fallen by 2.15 percent, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average has slipped by 0.84 percent.
According to LSEG data, companies listed on the S&P 500 have collectively lost 5.8 trillion dollars, or roughly 4.5 trillion pounds, in market value since the tariffs were announced. This marks the deepest four-day loss since the creation of the benchmark index in the 1950s.
As the world’s two largest economies dig in, the prospect of a resolution seems distant. With China vowing to resist and Washington doubling down, the global economy finds itself at a crossroads shaped by economic nationalism, political posturing, and rapidly shifting alliances.
