The United States will impose a total of 104% tariffs on China starting on the 9th in response to China’s retaliatory tariffs on President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt confirmed this during a briefing on the 8th, when asked if the additional 50% tariffs mentioned by President Trump would be implemented starting the following day. Levitt stated, “They will go into effect at 00:01 on the 9th.”
Levitt added, “It is China’s mistake to retaliate,” emphasizing that when the United States is targeted, it responds with stronger measures. “That is why the 104% tariffs (in China) are being implemented,” she said.
President Trump believes that Chinese President Xi Jinping and China want to negotiate but have not figured out how to begin. Levitt continued, saying, “If China contacts us for negotiations, the president will be incredibly gracious,” but stressed, “He will do what is best for the American people.”
Since taking office in January, President Trump imposed the so-called “10% + 10%” tariffs on China. On the 9th, he announced a 34% reciprocal tariff on each country. In response, China introduced retaliatory tariffs, which prompted President Trump to threaten an additional 50% tariff if the Chinese measures were not withdrawn.
China criticized President Trump’s threat of the extra 50% tariff, firmly opposing it.