China proclaims contemporary countermeasures, raises tariffs on US items from 84% to 125% from Saturday
China has introduced a big escalation within the ongoing commerce warfare with the US by imposing elevated tariffs on U.S. items.
Beginning Saturday, April 12, 2025, tariffs on American imports will rise from 84% to an unprecedented 125%, marking one other countermeasure in response to the U.S.’s aggressive commerce insurance policies.
This newest growth follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s determination to implement common tariffs in opposition to China totaling 145%.
Whereas asserting the 125% tariffs on Wednesday, President Trump notably excluded a further 20% tariff tied to China’s alleged position in fentanyl production, additional intensifying the standoff.
A joke within the historical past of the world financial system
China’s Commerce Ministry has dismissed the US’ tariff hikes as economically frivolous and warned of their long-term penalties.
“The U.S. alternately elevating abnormally excessive tariffs on China has develop into a numbers recreation, which has no sensible {economic} significance, and can develop into a joke within the historical past of the world financial system,” mentioned a spokesman from the Ministry.
Regardless of this, China’s stance stays resolute. The Commerce Ministry reaffirmed its readiness to defend nationwide pursuits and counter the U.S.’s actions decisively.
“If the U.S. insists on persevering with to considerably infringe on China’s pursuits, China will resolutely counter and struggle to the tip,” the spokesman added.
China goes to courtroom
The Ministry additionally introduced plans to file a contemporary lawsuit with the World Commerce Group (WTO) difficult the legality of the heightened U.S. tariffs.
- This authorized transfer underscores China’s ongoing dedication to leveraging worldwide mechanisms in its struggle in opposition to perceived {economic} aggression.
- Trump on Wednesday introduced a 90-day pause on newly applied reciprocal tariffs affecting dozens of commerce companions in a dramatic coverage reversal, simply hours after they took impact.
The choice marks a significant shift within the administration’s commerce technique after mounting strain from world markets, enterprise leaders, and buyers involved about recession dangers.
What you need to know
The upper tariffs had focused 56 nations and the European Union with duties exceeding 30%, sparking market volatility. Below the brand new association, these nations will now face a baseline tariff of 10%, besides China.
- As commerce relations between the 2 superpowers deteriorate additional, world markets are bracing for the ripple results of those intensified tariffs.
- Economists predict heightened uncertainty and potential disruptions to worldwide provide chains as each nations proceed to take combative measures in opposition to one another.
China’s countermeasure demonstrates its willpower to say its {economic} sovereignty whereas underscoring the potential for extended pressure within the world commerce area.


