In a significant development that is set to reshape the global trade landscape, the United States and China have recently rolled out new tariff policies, intensifying their long - standing trade disputes.
U.S. Tariff Measures
On April 2, 2025 (Eastern Time in the United States), the Trump administration announced “reciprocal tariff” measures. President Trump signed two executive orders on this day, establishing a “minimum benchmark tariff” of 10% for all trading partners. For China, an additional tariff was imposed on top of this 10% base. As a result, the tariff rate on Chinese goods exported to the United States surged to 34%. Considering the previous 20% tariff on Chinese goods, the cumulative tariff rate now reaches 54%.
The Trump administration justified these measures as a means to bring back American manufacturing. However, critics argue that it’s more about short - term financial gains, potentially leading to skyrocketing inflation in the United States. Since February, the U.S. stock market has already seen a staggering evaporation of nearly $5 trillion in market value.
China’s Countermeasures
In response to the U.S. actions, which China has firmly criticized as a “unilateral bullying act” that violates international trade rules and threatens global supply chain stability, China wasted no time in taking countermeasures.
On April 4, 2025, the Tariff Commission of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China issued an announcement. Starting from 12:01 on April 10, 2025, a 34% tariff will be added to all imported goods originating from the United States, on top of the existing applicable tariff rates.
Key Details of China’s Tariff Policy
Comprehensive Coverage: All imported goods from the United States are subject to the additional 34% tariff, with no exempt categories.
Continuation of Existing Policies: Current bonded and tax - exemption policies remain in effect. However, the newly added 34% tariff does not enjo
