Washington, April 8, 2025 – The White House has rolled out a hefty 104% tariff on Chinese imports, effective Wednesday, April 9, intensifying the US-China trade war. The move follows President Donald Trump’s unmet demand for China to drop its 34% retaliatory tariffs on American goods by Tuesday noon, prompting this steep escalation under Section 301 of the Trade Act.
The new tariffs, stacking a 50% hike atop an existing 34%, kick in at 12:01 AM ET (12:01 PM China Standard Time). “China’s defiance forced our hand. This protects American jobs and counters unfair trade,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. The administration touts early wins, with nearly 70 countries now seeking trade talks to dodge Trump’s tariff net.
Global markets shuddered, with Wall Street dipping and companies like Porsche reporting sales slumps in China (Reuters). Beijing slammed the US for “blackmail,” hinting at curbs on US farm imports and mineral exports, stoking fears of wider fallout.
For India, this opens doors—exporters could tap the US market as Chinese goods falter, though Trump’s 10% baseline tariff on all nations looms. Yet, reliance on Chinese components may hike costs domestically. “It’s an opportunity if we scale up fast,” an expert told The Indian Express.
Critics warn of inflation and supply chain chaos, while supporters see a boost for US manufacturing. China vows to “fight to the end,” setting up a tense standoff. With Trump eyeing deals with allies like Italy next week, the world braces for the ripple effects.
