China Strikes Back: 34% Tariff on U.S. Goods Announced

China's latest tariffs and restrictions signal an escalating trade war with the U.S., affecting both economies and international relations.

On April 4, 2025, the Chinese government announced a decisive countermeasure to U.S. President Trump's implementation of a 34 percent tariff on Chinese goods, revealing that it would impose an equivalent 34 percent tariff on American imports. The Finance Ministry of China confirmed the retaliatory tariffs on Friday, highlighting a deepening trade conflict.

In addition to the tariffs, China's Ministry of Commerce designated 11 American firms as “unreliable entities,” effectively barring them from operating within China or engaging in business transactions with Chinese corporations. The decision reflects China's growing frustration and signals no sign of de-escalation in this trade confrontation initiated by Trump's tariffs earlier in the week.

Moreover, the customs authority in China has announced restrictions on chicken imports from several U.S. agricultural exporters, further tightening the economic noose. China also plans to impose strict export limits on rare earth elements, critical materials used in advanced technologies from electric vehicles to military applications, which are predominantly sourced from within China.

This fierce response underscores China's resolve and strategic approach in the ongoing trade war and poses significant implications for global trade dynamics. As the situation continues to evolve, further updates are anticipated.

Claire Fu contributed to this report from Seoul, while Keith Bradsher, the Times' Beijing bureau chief, offers insights drawn from extensive on-the-ground reporting skills across various regions, including a profound understanding gained during the pandemic.