The trade war between the world’s two biggest economies just got worse. China has announced it will increase tariffs on goods coming from the United States. The new rate is now set at 125%, which is a big jump from the previous 84%.
This decision came shortly after the US increased its own tariffs on Chinese goods to a massive 145%. That move by the US added more fuel to the already tense trade fight. China’s finance ministry said the new tariffs would start on Saturday.
China’s government also said it would ignore any further increases by the US. Officials explained that at such high tariff levels, no one in China would want to buy US products anymore. They said the tariffs are now just “numbers with no meaning” and are no longer connected to how trade normally works.
This move is a direct response to what China calls “unilateral bullying” by the United States. That means they believe the US is acting alone and unfairly against other countries, especially China.
U.S. Hikes Tariffs to 145% as China Warns of ‘Full-Scale Trade War’
How This Trade Fight Escalated
Earlier in the week, the United States raised its tariffs on Chinese goods from 104% to 145%. This was already a sharp increase. In return, China quickly raised its own tariffs from 34% to 84% the very next day. But that wasn’t the end. With the US going even higher, China has now pushed back with the new 125% rate.
Officials in China said the United States should be held responsible for the current problems in the global economy. They said the US actions have caused “serious shocks and severe turbulence” in the world’s markets.
They blamed the US for hurting global trade systems and making things harder for countries that want to buy and sell goods fairly. The back-and-forth tariff increases have created confusion and concern in markets across the world.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry made it clear: if the US keeps raising the numbers, China will not respond anymore, because they see no economic reason to do so. They believe the US is just playing a “numbers game” with no real purpose.
China Seeks Support From Europe
While this was happening, China’s leader met with the head of Spain and asked for help from European countries. He said that China and Europe should work together to stand against the unfair actions coming from the United States.
China’s 84% Tariffs Mark New Chapter In US Trade War
He called on Europe to join China in protecting fair trade and stopping unilateral moves, which means actions taken by one country without agreeing with others.
He said working together would help protect everyone’s rights and keep trade fair for all countries, not just a few. This meeting showed that China is not only responding to the US but also building support from other parts of the world.
Even though things are tense, the Chinese leader said he believes there are no winners in a trade war. That means both countries lose when tariffs go too high, because it makes products more expensive and trade more difficult.
This latest move by China marks another step in a growing battle that is already affecting people and businesses around the world. As both countries continue to increase tariffs, the effects are spreading beyond their borders.
The situation remains highly charged, with major changes happening quickly as both sides keep reacting to each other’s moves.
