Goods imported from the US into China will be subject to a 125% tariff starting April 12th, in retaliation against the 145% tariff Washington imposed on goods from the world's most populous nation.

On the afternoon of April 11th, Xinhua News Agency, citing the Tariff Policy Commission of the State Council (China's cabinet), announced that a 125% tariff rate will be imposed on all goods originating from the US imported into the country, beginning April 12th.

This is China's Final Tariff Increase, Regardless of Further US Hikes

This move aims to respond to the US measures increasing tariffs on Chinese goods. This hike raises the rate from the previous 84% to 125%.

In the early morning of April 10th (Vietnam time), US President Donald Trump announced he would raise the reciprocal tariff against China from 104% to 125%.

Notably, Beijing announced this will be its final tariff increase and it will not raise tariffs further, even if Washington does.

China's Ministry of Finance stated: "Considering that there is currently no possibility for US goods exported to China to be accepted by the market at the current tariff levels, if the US side continues to impose tariffs on Chinese goods exported to the US, the Chinese side will completely disregard it."

However, less than 24 hours after Trump's announcement, the White House clarified that the 125% figure did not include the 20% tariff Washington imposed on Beijing earlier in the term, bringing the total tariff rate China faces to 145%.

Beijing accuses the US imposition of unreasonably high tariffs on Chinese goods as a serious violation of international trade rules, contrary to basic economic laws and practices, and clearly demonstrating a unilateral, bullying, and coercive nature.

The Chinese government's announcement came just minutes after the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Lin Jian, declared that Beijing would not yield to US tariff measures.

"China Does Not Desire Confrontation, But Does Not Fear It..."

Mr. Lin stated during the regular press conference on the afternoon of April 11th: "China does not desire confrontation, but it does not fear confrontation if necessary....

If the US side insists on launching a tariff war, a trade war, China will resolutely fight back to the end.

To protect the common interests of countries worldwide, to safeguard international justice and fairness against US hegemony and bullying, concession or retreat is not the right path."

Previously, on the morning of April 11th, Chinese President Xi Jinping had also warned of the risks the US could face if it continues to pursue a trade war.

Mr. Xi stated during talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing: "Tariff wars have no winners. Confronting the world ultimately only leads to isolation."

The Chinese President also emphasized that China's development over decades has relied on self-reliance, not on handouts from anyone, and that it does not fear any unreasonable external pressure.

"Beijing has never yielded to unreasonable suppression. No matter how the external environment changes, China will maintain its resolve, focus on core issues, and wholeheartedly address domestic matters," Mr. Xi stressed.

(Note: The text repeats the statement by spokesperson Lin Jian. It has been included once in the translation for accuracy based on the source structure, but be aware it might be an editorial duplication in the original Vietnamese text).

US Has Not Yet Responded to China's Tariff Increase Announcement

Currently, the US has not responded to China's announcement of the tariff increase.

Source: Tuoi Tre Online

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