Trump Raises Tariffs on China to 125 Percent in Latest Trade War Escalation

Addis Ababa: President Donald Trump has announced he will raise tariffs against China to 125 percent, in a rapidly escalating trade war.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the move has come hours after Beijing imposed an 84 percent retaliatory levy on U.S. goods, effective April 10, 2025, as the global trade war intensified. Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, stating the decision was based on what he described as a lack of respect shown by China to the world’s markets.

China’s Ministry of Finance responded by criticizing the U.S. action, calling it a serious mistake that infringes on China’s rights and damages the rules-based multilateral trading system. The ministry emphasized that the escalation seriously undermines international trade protocols.

Trump’s “Liberation Day” duties were implemented just after midnight on Wednesday, resulting in a total tariff rate of 104 percent against China. Meanwhile, China’s plan to increase its tariffs is set to take effect a minute after midnight on Thursday, as indicated by a government statement.

Beijing initially responded to Trump’s 34 percent “reciprocal” tariffs last week and has committed to continuing its fight if the White House maintains its stance. The situation remains tense as both nations prepare for further trade confrontations.