Donald Trump rekindled trade tensions with China on Monday, April 7, threatening to impose “additional” customs duties of 50 % on Chinese products. This new escalation would take place on April 9, if Beijing does not return to its decision to retaliate to the American customs offensive. China had indeed announced an increase in its own customs duties of 34 % on American imports, from April 10.
Donald Trump announces an additional 50 % tax to China in case of response!
The situation quickly worsened after the establishment on Saturday of a 10 % customs tariff on all American imports. This rate must increase to 20 % for the European Union and 34 % for China on Wednesday. Qualified as “strategic adjustment” by Trump, this measure was perceived as an attack by several economic partners, notably China, which replied by also applying 34 % taxes on American products.
In response to Beijing's replica, Donald Trump announced a 50 % increase in customs duties on Chinese products. On his social social platform, he described China as a “greater profiteer” and criticized his reaction to a policy he judges just. Trump also said that he would not accept any maintenance request from Beijing, while starting negotiations with other nations deemed more cooperative.
What about the European Union?
During the press conference of April 7, 2025, Ursula von der Leyen said that the European Union was ready to negotiate a “zero” tariff agreement with the United States. However, Donald Trump rejected any negotiation with Europe, demanding significant annual payments before considering any reduction in customs duties.
The EU qualified this demand for extortion, stressing that relations between Europe and the United States were now fractured. In response to these declarations, European stock markets have returned to green, although the situation remains tense, and NATO could be the next target of tensions.
The trade war between the United States, China and the European Union continues to intensify global tensions. The threats of Donald Trump and the replicas of Beijing and the EU announce a period of difficult negotiations. The markets therefore remain volatile, and still struggle to get up from the $ 3,250 billion flew in 24 hours.
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