Mon Apr 07 18:35:47 UTC 2025: ## Trump Slams China with 50% Tariff Increase, Escalating Trade War
**Washington D.C.** – In a dramatic escalation of the US-China trade war, former President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff increase on all Chinese goods, bringing the total US tariff on Chinese imports to a staggering 94%. This move comes less than 48 hours after China retaliated with a 34% tariff hike on US goods.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social, justified the action by citing China’s “retaliatory tariffs… illegal subsidization of companies, and massive long-term currency manipulation.” He had previously warned of such a response if China did not withdraw its additional tariffs. The former president gave China until April 8th, 2025, to reverse its actions, threatening the 50% increase would take effect on April 9th if they did not comply.
This latest move follows Trump’s earlier announcement of reciprocal tariffs on nations that impose tariffs on the US. He stated that negotiations with China are terminated, while talks with other countries will commence.
Global markets have reacted negatively to the escalating trade war, with stock markets and oil prices experiencing a three-day decline. China had previously warned that reciprocal tariffs would be detrimental to all parties involved. The situation marks a significant intensification of trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
First Piper 