US president Donald Trump has today [9 April 2025] issued an executive order, amending the tariff adjustment on China from his so-called ‘Liberation Day’ from 34% to 84%, taking the total tariff on imports to the US from China to 104%. This is after China issued its own 34% tariff increase on the US after the first announcement.
China responded to the 34% increase in tariff rate from the US with its own reciprocal tariff on US imports to China that was due to come into effect in the coming days.
In a post on social media platform Truth Social, Trump promised an additional tariff of 50% if China did not withdraw its latest tariff increase. The tariff was not withdrawn, and this new executive order reflects an additional 50% tariff on top of the planned 34%. When combined with the previous 20% tariff, his takes the total tariff rate for China to 104%.
Trump described his recent tariffs as “legendary”, saying that China has “ripped [the US] off left and right”. This was during the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) dinner in Washington DC.
“Now it’s our turn to do the ripping,” he added.
The Ministry of Finance of the People’s Republic of China has since responded in kind, increasing its planned 34% additional tariff on US imports to 84%. This increase is set to take effect from 10 April.
As the trade war between the US and China escalates, member states of the European Union are set to vote today on countermeasures to the recent US tariffs, which include the 20% tariff on the EU announced on 2 April and other tariffs on imported steel, aluminium and motor vehicles.
Supply chains around the world will undoubtedly be impacted by these tariffs and counter-tariffs, with companies worldwide likely to be following the situation carefully and assessing the resilience of their own supply chains.
Logistics Manager will continue to monitor situation closely as it develops.
