China Vows To ‘Fight Till The End’ After Trump Proposes 104% Tariffs

China is refusing to back down in response to former President Donald Trump’s latest round of controversial tariff threats, setting the stage for a renewed global trade clash.

Last week, Trump triggered international backlash after unveiling a sweeping list of tariff hikes targeting U.S. trading partners, part of his renewed push to "Make America Wealthy Again." The plan includes a baseline 10% tariff on most imports, which took effect over the weekend, impacting dozens of nations.

Up to 60 countries are now bracing for even steeper penalties, with additional tariffs set to kick in on Wednesday, April 9.

In a defiant "Liberation Day" speech, Trump specifically called out the European Union and China as the worst offenders, accusing both of “ripping off” the U.S. economically. He proposed reciprocal tariffs of 20% on EU imports and 34% on Chinese goods - on top of the 20% tariffs already imposed on China earlier this year. That would amount to a total tariff burden of 54% on Chinese products.

Trump framed the escalating measures as a crackdown on trade imbalances and a response to national security concerns, including alleged Chinese involvement in fentanyl trafficking. Beijing has rejected the accusations and responded with strong rhetoric of its own, warning that it will “fight till the end” if the tariffs are enacted.

With the possibility of a 104% combined tariff looming, tensions between the world’s two largest economies are once again on the rise, raising alarms among economists and global trade experts.

Trump gave China until Tuesday to avoid a 104% tariff surge

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Trump doubled down on his stance last week, branding China the "biggest abuser of them all" when it comes to unfair trade practices.

In response, Beijing hit back on Sunday, April 6, announcing plans for a 34% counter-tariff on U.S. imports - an aggressive move that rattled global stock markets and heightened fears of a full-scale trade war.

Refusing to back down, Trump issued an ultimatum: China must roll back the retaliatory tariff by Tuesday, April 8, or face an additional 50% levy on top of existing duties. If enforced, the total tariff burden on Chinese imports could reach a staggering 104%.

Despite mounting pressure, China is holding its ground. On Monday, the country's Ministry of Commerce released a sharp statement accusing the U.S. of “blackmail” and “bullying,” rejecting the legitimacy of what it described as “so-called reciprocal tariffs.”

“The U.S. move is completely groundless and represents a typical case of unilateral bullying,” the ministry said, signaling no intention of backing down as tensions escalate.

The stock market continues to feel the impact of the recent shock.

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The ministry also warned that additional counter-tariffs may be introduced, targeting a broader range of American goods as the trade conflict intensifies.

“The countermeasures China has taken are aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests, and maintaining the normal international trade order. They are completely legitimate,” the ministry stated.“The US threat to escalate tariffs on China is a mistake on top of a mistake and once again exposes the blackmailing nature of the US."China will never accept this. If the US insists on its own way, China will fight to the end.”During a press briefing, China’s Foreign Ministry echoed this stance, accusing Washington of “economic bullying” and of “destabilising” the global economy.

Spokesperson Lin Jian said the U.S.’s “abuse” of tariffs “seriously infringes” on international trade agreements, and cautioned that “trade wars have no winners.”

“If the US insists on waging the tariffs war and trade war regardless of the interest of both countries and the international community, China will play along to the end,” Jian added.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reaffirmed that China has no intention of yielding to Trump’s tariff threats.

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The response follows a fiery post from Trump on Truth Social yesterday, in which he warned:

"If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th.

Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated!”

The announcement could prompt China to redirect its exports by flooding other markets with cheaper goods, potentially strengthening ties with alternative trading partners while driving up costs for American consumers.

Amid ongoing market volatility, many economists and business leaders are now urging the president to reconsider his course, warning that escalating tariffs could further destabilize an already fragile global economy.