Trump’s Escalation in the U.S.-China Trade War: Implications of 104% Tariffs and Beijing’s Retaliatory Measures

Introduction

On April 9, 2025, President Donald Trump implemented sweeping new tariffs on Chinese imports, raising duties to an unprecedented 104%. This escalation marks a critical juncture in the ongoing U.S.-China trade war, which has already destabilized global markets and strained bilateral relations. In response, China announced retaliatory tariffs of 84% on U.S. goods, further intensifying the conflict between the world’s two largest economies. This report examines the context, motivations, and consequences of these actions, analyzing their impact on trade dynamics, economic stability, and geopolitical relations.