In response to China’s announcement of retaliatory tariffs against U.S. tariffs, the United States is imposing an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports starting Wednesday.
Previously, President Donald Trump had implemented a 20% tariff on China after taking office, followed by an additional 34% in reciprocal tariffs. With the newly added 50%, the effective tariff burden on Chinese exports to the U.S. could reach 104%, depending on how the tariffs are applied.
On April 8, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated during a regular press briefing that the additional 50% retaliatory tariff President Trump announced on April 7 would take effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.
This move came after China’s Ministry of Commerce vowed to fight the U.S., declaring it would take firm countermeasures to protect its rights and interests if the U.S. raised tariffs.
Commenting on the situation, Leavitt said China made a mistake in retaliating, adding that President Trump hits back harder when the U.S. is hit, which is why the 104% tariff on China went into effect at midnight on Wednesday.
She also noted that President Trump believes Chinese President Xi Jinping and China want to negotiate with the U.S., but they do not know how to begin. She added that the President would be incredibly generous if China reached out for negotiations, but his top priority is to do what’s best for the American people.
Leavitt’s remarks emphasize that China must take the initiative to contact the U.S. and suggest that the U.S. will continue a head-to-head confrontation with China.
She also revealed that nearly 70 countries are contacting the U.S. for trade negotiations. She stressed that each negotiation would be unique and tailored based on the respective country’s market, exports, and U.S. imports.
Regarding White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett’s statement that allies like South Korea and Japan will be prioritized in trade talks, Leavitt said the U.S. would prioritize alliances with global partners.
As for the possibility of postponing reciprocal tariffs, she clarified that the President is not considering any delay.
Recently, the New York Stock Exchange experienced major turmoil following false rumors that the U.S. would postpone tariffs for 90 days for all countries except China.
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