Trump imposes new tariffs, prompts global reaction
Share and Follow


The Chinese government declined to say whether it would negotiate with the White House, as many other countries have started doing.

BANGKOK, Thailand — China again vowed to “fight to the end” Wednesday in an escalating trade war with the U.S. as it announced it would raise tariffs on American goods to 84% from Thursday.

Beijing also added an array of countermeasures after U.S. President Donald Trump raised the total tariff on imports from China to 104%.

“If the U.S. 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,” the Ministry of Commerce wrote in a statement introducing its white paper on trade with the U.S.

The government declined to say whether it would negotiate with the White House, as many other countries have started doing.

On Friday, China announced a 34% tariff on all goods imported from the U.S, export controls on rare earths minerals, and a slew of other measures in response to Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs. Trump then added an additional 50% tariff on goods from China, saying negotiations with them were terminated.

So far, China has not appeared interested in bargaining. “If the U.S. truly wants to resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation, it should adopt an attitude of equality, respect and mutual benefit,” said Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Lin Jian Wednesday.

The paper says that the U.S. has not honored the promises it made in the phase 1 trade deal concluded during Trump’s first term. As an example, it said that a U.S. law that would ban TikTok unless it is sold by its Chinese parent company violates a promise that neither would “pressure the other party to transfer technology to its own individuals.”

Trump signed an order to keep TikTok running for another 75 days last week after a potential deal to sell the app to American owners was put on ice. ByteDance representatives called the White House to indicate that China would no longer approve the deal until there could be negotiations about trade and tariffs.

The paper also argued that taking into account trade in services and U.S. companies’ domestic Chinese branches, economic exchange between the two countries is “roughly in balance.”

It says that China had a trade in services deficit with the U.S. of $26.57 billion in 2023, which is composed of industries like insurance, banking and accounting. Trump’s tariffs were designed to close trade deficits with foreign countries, but those were calculated only based on trades in physical, tangible goods.

“History and facts have proven that the United States’ increase in tariffs will not solve its own problems,” said the statement from the Chinese commerce ministry. “Instead, it will trigger sharp fluctuations in financial markets, push up U.S. inflation pressure, weaken the U.S. industrial base and increase the risk of a U.S. economic recession, which will ultimately only backfire on itself.

AP researcher Yu Bing and producer Liu Zheng contributed to this report from Beijing.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
The 2-hour 'Stranger Things' finale will be in theaters on New Year's. Here's how to get tickets.

Countdown to the ‘Stranger Things’ Finale: Release Date & Streaming Details Revealed!

The eagerly anticipated second batch of episodes from the final season of…
Ravens likely won't have Lamar Jackson for Week 17

Lamar Jackson’s Availability in Doubt for Ravens’ Crucial Week 17 Matchup

The Ravens are already facing challenges as they prepare for Saturday’s game.…
New Yorkers enraged over Times Square Christmas billboard

Outrage Erupts in New York: The Times Square Christmas Billboard That’s Stirring Controversy

A Times Square billboard declaring ‘Jesus is Palestinian’ has sparked outrage, with…
Bosses warn that job axe will swing for millions of heads in 2026

Employers Predict Significant Job Cuts Impacting Millions by 2026

Prepare for an increasing wave of automation as next year unfolds, with…
Chicago Christmas 2025: Hundreds of Christmas Day meals delivered to West Englewood shelter by St. Sabina Church volunteers

St. Sabina Church Volunteers Spread Holiday Cheer with Meal Deliveries to West Englewood Shelter on Christmas 2025

In a heartwarming gesture just in time for Christmas, hundreds of meals…
Brown, MIT shootings may have stemmed from suspect’s failures, fixation on scientist’s success: report

MIT and Brown University Shootings Linked to Suspect’s Obsession with Scientist’s Achievements, Report Reveals

Motive remains unclear following death of Brown, MIT gunman Paul Mauro, a…
'I'm hurting': St. Augustine veteran says roofing company under state investigation scammed him

St. Augustine Veteran Alleges Fraud by Roofing Company Amid State Investigation

Lorenzo Neely, a Vietnam War veteran, finds himself in a distressing situation…
Major university cuts ties with US-sanctioned UN expert on Palestinian issues, watchdog says

Georgetown Parts Ways with UN Official Following Antisemitism Allegations

Stay informed with Fox News’ “Antisemitism Exposed” newsletter, shedding light on the…