China hits back with 84% tariffs on US goods after Trump’s 104% reciprocal duties; New rates applicable from tomorrow

A fresh round of tariff warfare is underway between the United States and China.

Just a day after U.S. President Donald Trump signed off on a last-minute amendment hiking duties on imports from China, Beijing responded by slapping steep new tariffs of its own. China announced an additional 84% tariff on U.S. goods, effective April 10, 2025.

China will impose 84% tariffs on U.S. goods from Thursday, up from the 34% previously announced, the finance ministry said on Wednesday.

China has also blacklisted 12 US companies for export control reasons and added 6 US companies to its "unreliable entity" list, meaning they face restrictions and potential penalties in China.

China's retaliatory actions followed the Trump administration's imposition of a hefty 104 percent tariff on Chinese imports. These "reciprocal" tariffs aimed at numerous countries went into effect on Wednesday, intensifying a global trade war, particularly with China.

China has pledged to “fight to the end” against Trump’s tariffs and has shown no willingness to negotiate with the White House, unlike many other nations that are engaging in discussions. Beijing asserts that the economic exchanges between the world’s two largest economies are “roughly in balance.”

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated, “If the US insists on further escalating its economic and trade restrictions, China has the firm will and abundant means to take necessary countermeasures and fight to the end.”

China has also filed a new complaint with the WTO regarding the heightened US tariffs, claiming that the situation has "dangerously escalated." In its statement, China expressed "grave concern and firm opposition" to the US actions, arguing that reciprocal tariffs are not a solution for trade imbalances and will ultimately harm the US itself.

Additionally, the Ministry of Commerce announced that it has placed 12 US companies on its export control list and six on its unreliable entities list, effective Thursday. Companies such as American Photonics and Novotech are now banned from exporting dual-use items. Those on the unreliable entities list, including Shield AI and Sierra Nevada Corporation, will be prohibited from engaging in import and export activities related to China, as well as making investments in the country.

Last week, China introduced a 34 percent tariff on all goods imported from the US, alongside export controls on rare earth minerals and other measures in response to Trump's “Liberation Day” tariffs. In retaliation, Trump raised tariffs by an additional 50 percent on Chinese goods, declaring that negotiations had been terminated.

The US continues to report a significant trade deficit with China, importing far more than it exports. According to US statistics, Chinese exports to the US amounted to approximately $440 billion in 2024, nearly three times the value of American exports to China, which totaled around $145 billion.