BAD MOVE: China Announces Additional 84% Tariff on US Imported Goods – China Only Imports a Third of What We Do

China responds to Trump’s 104% tariff with an 84% tariff on all U.S. imported goods.

“It’s unfortunate that the Chinese actually don’t want to come and negotiate because they are the worst offenders in the international trading system. I can tell you that this escalation is a LOSER for them.” Treasure Secretary Scott Bessent

“They can raise their tariffs, but so what?”

In 2024, the U.S. imported goods from China totaling $438.9 billion, while China only imported goods from the U.S. worth $143.5 billion. The tariffs are far more painful for them.

The top five purchasers of U.S. goods exports in 2022 were: Canada ($356.5 billion), Mexico ($324.3 billion), China ($150.4 billion), Japan ($80.2 billion), and the United Kingdom ($76.2 billion). U.S. goods exports to the European Union 27 were $350.8 billion.

If there are shortages in critical industries or the supply chains, Trump should invoke the Defense Production Act (DPA). The Cold War–era law gives the president significant emergency authority to control domestic industries.

🚨 'SO WHAT?' – SCOTT BESSENT TORCHES CHINA AFTER 84% TARIFFS: "It's unfortunate that the Chinese actually don't want to come and negotiate because they are the worst offenders in the international trading system. I can tell you that this escalation is a LOSER for them."

"They… pic.twitter.com/SWDSz8giBm

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 9, 2025

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent commented on China's decision to increase tariffs on U.S. exports to 84%, saying:

"They can raise their tariffs but so what?"

For reference, China annually imports approximately $165 billion in goods from the United States. pic.twitter.com/v8MTy5NULG

— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) April 9, 2025

China hits US with 84% retaliatory tariffs after Trump’s sweeping levies go into effect

By Emily Crane, NY Post, April 9, 2025:

China retaliated against President Trump’s sweeping tariffs Wednesday by hiking its levies on US imports to a staggering 84%.

Beijing announced it would raise its previously announced 34% tariff to match Trump’s levy.

The move, which will go into effect Thursday, came just hours after Trump’s whopping 104% levy on China went into effect.

It came, too, as China’s commerce ministry vowed to “fight to the end” amid the escalating trade war with the US.

“If the US insists on further escalating its economic and trade restrictions, China has the firm will and abundant means to take necessary countermeasures and fight to the end,” the Ministry of Commerce said in a lengthy policy statement.

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In announcing the move, China said it had added 12 US companies to its export control list and six to its unreliable entities list.

Companies added to the export control list include American Photonics and Novotech.
Shipping containers are seen at a port in Nanjing on April 8, 2025.Shipping containers are seen at a port in Nanjing on April 8, 2025. AFP via Getty Images

Exports of dual-use items to these companies will be banned.

Those added to the unreliable entities list, including Shield AI and Sierra Nevada Corporation, will be banned from China-related import and export activities and investing in China.

A defiant Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent quickly fired back, telling Fox Business Network the retaliatory tariffs were a losing proposition for Beijing.