China hits back at US with 34% tariff on American imports by retaliation for Trump’s levies

The tariff comes into effect on April 10 and is part of a raft of measures that includes more rare earths control.  China vows to retaliate after the US imposes 34% reciprocal tariffs. US President Donald Trump has levied a ‘reciprocal tariff’ on practically all the country’s trading partners, prompting responses from around the globe.

China will impose a 34 per cent tariff on imported American goods in addition to existing duties in response to similar moves by the United States, further escalating trade tensions between the world’s two biggest economies. The Chinese tariff will apply from April 10, according to the State Council, China’s cabinet.

The retaliation announced on Friday came two days after the US unveiled a 34 per cent tariff on Chinese goods. The swift response suggests that Beijing is going to play tough, instead of entering into negotiations with Washington. Earlier, US President Donald Trump indicated that he was willing to cut a deal in exchange for Beijing’s approval to sell social media company TikTok.