U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to China. He said that if China does not cancel the 34% increase in tariffs or trade measures — which he claims are added on top of their long-standing unfair trade practices — by tomorrow, April 8, 2025, then the United States will respond firmly.
Starting April 9, 2025, the U.S. will impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods. This means many Chinese products entering the U.S. will become much more expensive due to higher taxes, which could hurt China’s exports.
Trump also added that all trade discussions and meetings requested by China will be completely cancelled if China does not take back the increased trade measures.
In short, Trump is giving China a 24-hour deadline: either roll back the extra 34% tariffs or face heavy new U.S. tariffs and a total breakdown in trade talks.
China’s Foreign Ministry responded to Trump’s tariff threat by calling the U.S. move a typical example of one-sided actions and economic bullying meant to protect its own interests. The ministry said China will take necessary steps in response. If the U.S. continues to push for a trade or tariff war, China is prepared to fight it to the very end.
China’s Foreign Ministry said the U.S. actions don’t show a real interest in serious talks. If the U.S. wants to negotiate, it must do so with respect and treat China as an equal.