Trump Announces Immediate 125% Tariff on Chinese Imports, Citing 'Lack of Respect'

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a sharp escalation in the ongoing trade dispute with China, stating that the United States will impose a 125% tariff on all Chinese imports effective immediately.

The announcement was made via a post on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, where he said the decision was prompted by “the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets.”

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately,” the president wrote. He added, “At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off [the U.S.] are over.”

The move is the latest escalation in a renewed trade conflict between the world’s two largest economies. Earlier on Wednesday, China responded with its own measures, announcing that it would raise retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods to 84%, also set to take effect on Thursday.

Chinese officials stated they would “fight to the end” against U.S. tariffs, calling the recent American actions “unjustified and disruptive” to global trade. China also emphasized that trade between the two countries had been “in balance,” pushing back against allegations of economic unfairness.

The tit-for-tat measures have raised concerns among economists and global markets, with fears that the conflict could disrupt supply chains, increase costs for consumers, and dampen investor confidence.

This latest tariff increase from Washington follows a previous 104% tax on Chinese exports to the U.S. that came into effect earlier this month. With tensions rising, global observers are closely watching for any potential diplomatic engagement or signs of de-escalation between the two powers.

Despite international calls for dialogue, both sides appear firm in their stances, signaling a prolonged standoff that could have wide-reaching consequences for the global economy.