China Tariff Retaliation has intensified after former President Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy
China levied 34% punitive tariffs on all US goods on Friday.
China’s Xinhua news agency reports that Chinese tariffs will be implemented on April 10 in response to US President Donald Trump’s tariff announcement on Wednesday.
Trump increased the tariffs on China by 34% in the announcement on Wednesday, on top of the 20% duties that had already been applied in two tranches. This indicates that he has imposed 54% tariffs on China in total. Trump’s tariffs follow sector-specific, targeted tariffs imposed by the former Joe Biden administration.
In contrast to Trump’s tariffs, which exempted certain trade categories like electronics and The New York Times claims that Chinese response has not created any such exemptions for pharmaceuticals
.According to The Times, China also announced a number of non-triff punitive measures.
China Tariff Retaliation Intensifies: 11 US Firms Blacklisted & Rare Earth Exports Restricted
In addition to imposing tariffs, China listed 11 American businesses as “unreliable entities,” effectively prohibiting them from conducting business with or in China. Tight export restrictions were also placed by China on a number of rare earth minerals that are utilized in a wide range of goods, from military hardware and missiles to electric vehicles (EVs).
According to the list, China also prohibited the import of chicken from specific US producers.
Previously, China had announced retaliation to two tranches of Trump’s tariffs as well.
In the initial round of response in February, China levied 10% tariffs on US crude oil, farm equipment, and some automobiles, and 15% levies on US coal and LNG. Additionally, China declared non-tariff punitive measures.
China Tariff Retaliation continues to escalate beyond just import taxes. In a bold move to protect its national interests, China imposed strict export controls on critical materials including tungsten, tellurium, ruthenium, and molybdenum. This strategic extension of China Tariff Retaliation policies signals Beijing’s intent to counterbalance US pressure with economic measures. As part of its broader China Tariff Retaliation strategy, China has also launched an anti-monopoly investigation into US tech giant Google. Furthermore, China Tariff Retaliation intensified with the designation of Calvin Klein-maker PVH Corp and biotech firm Illumina as ‘unreliable entities’, reflecting deepening distrust in US business operations. These actions mark a sharp turn in trade relations, showcasing how China Tariff Retaliation extends across both commercial and technological fronts.
China put 10% tariffs on US soybeans, sorghum, pig, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy imports, and 15% duties on US chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton in the second round of retaliation in March. Additionally, China restricted investment and exports to 25 US companies.
Conclusion:
The latest wave of China Tariff Retaliation reflects a deepening rift between two of the world’s largest economies. By blacklisting 11 major US companies and tightening export controls on strategic rare earth minerals, China has sent a clear message of resistance to American trade pressure. This aggressive posture not only disrupts global supply chains but also escalates the ongoing economic standoff. As both countries double down on their strategies, the ripple effects of China Tariff Retaliation will be felt across industries—impacting everything from tech to defense.
Furthermore, China Tariff Retaliation is no longer confined to just taxes and tariffs—it’s become a broader economic strategy. The move to label American firms as “unreliable entities” and restrict critical resources like tungsten and molybdenum demonstrates Beijing’s readiness to weaponize trade. As trade tensions continue, global markets may see volatility, pushing smaller economies to reassess their positions. The path forward remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: China Tariff Retaliation is reshaping the rules of global commerce.
