The United States has just launched a new phase in its trade war with China: starting at midnight, tariffs of 104% on Chinese imports will take effect, an unprecedented measure driven by President Donald Trump in retaliation for Beijing's recent actions.
The announcement was confirmed by White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, who accompanied the measure with an extensive and passionate argument that advocates for the administration's protectionist stance.
The decision, which shakes global markets and further strains relations between the two powers, was reinforced by Trump on his Truth Social network: China "wants an agreement, but doesn't know how to start it", he stated.
"We await your call. It will happen!", he added.
The trigger: Cross retaliations
This new round of tariffs arises as a direct response to the 34% tariffs that Beijing imposed on American products, which is viewed as retaliation for previous actions taken by Washington.
Far from backing down, Trump threatened to impose an additional 50% if China did not back down before noon on Tuesday, which has raised the total to a record 104%.
Although the U.S. administration has opened diplomatic channels with countries like South Korea, Japan, and Italy, the relationship with China seems to have reached a stalemate.
"We are not going to prioritize negotiations with the world's second-largest economy," White House officials stated.
Karoline Leavitt's Argument: An Ideological Defense of Tariffs
In a passionate speech, Karoline Leavitt offered more than just an institutional statement: she crafted a compelling argument with historical references, quotes from Democratic figures, and a strong affirmation of Trump-era economic protectionism.
“Everyone in Washington, whether they admit it or not, knows that this president is right about tariffs and trade”, Leavitt stated, suggesting that even Trump's opponents privately agree with his assessment.
The spokesperson recalled past statements from key figures in the Democratic Party, such as Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, to illustrate that dissatisfaction with trade with China is not new, but that Trump is the first to turn words into action.
He quoted Pelosi in 1996: “How far should China go? How much more repression? How many jobs must American workers lose?”; and added emphatically: “Well, President Trump finally responds to your call, twenty-seven years later.”
Leavitt also referenced words from Senator Chuck Schumer in 2007, when he called on the government to “act now to reverse a trend that threatens our future.”
It also included the reference to Senator Sherrod Brown in 2012, who warned that the trade deficit with China was reaching "historic highs."
Leavitt closed his remarks with a statement that encapsulates the ideological core of economic Trumpism: "At last, America has a president who is taking steps to recover millions of jobs, bring them back to the United States, and do what is right for the American people.”
Economic consequences: Markets on alert
The markets' reaction was immediate.
U.S. stocks fell following the confirmation of new tariffs, and the fear of a prolonged trade war shook global markets once again.
Although there were initial expectations of a possible negotiation, the implementation of the 104% tariffs has eliminated that possibility in the short term.
Analysts warn that this measure could severely impact the global supply chain and raise prices for American consumers, especially in sectors reliant on Chinese imports such as electronics, machinery, and manufactured goods.
The case of Tiktok and the geopolitical backdrop
In addition to trade, the tensions between the United States and China are reflected in the technological sphere.
In the context of future negotiations lies the fate of TikTok, the popular Chinese-origin application that Trump has insisted must be separated from its parent company ByteDance in order to operate on U.S. soil.
The TikTok case symbolizes a deeper dimension of the dispute: It's not just about commerce, but about technological sovereignty, data control, and national security.
A escalation with global implications
With the new tariffs now in place, the Trump administration has solidified a stance that not only challenges China but also redefines U.S. trade policy in relation to the world.
The protectionist approach has been met with concern by some economic sectors, but with enthusiasm by those who see this strategy as an attempt to restore the country's industrial fabric.
Karoline Leavitt's intervention, filled with historical references and combative rhetoric, leaves no doubt: the White House not only wants to win a trade battle, but also aims to win an ideological debate.
And in that regard, according to Leavitt, Trump is fulfilling an old demand from Washington: “This president must do this. That is exactly what the American people chose.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Trade War Between the United States and China
Why has the United States imposed a 104% tariff on China?
The United States has imposed tariffs of 104% on China in retaliation for the 34% levies that Beijing imposed on American products. This measure is part of the escalation in the trade war between the two nations, led by President Donald Trump, who aims to pressure China into negotiating more favorable terms for the United States.
What are the economic consequences of the new U.S. tariffs on China?
The economic consequences of the new tariffs include a negative impact on global markets and a potential increase in prices for American consumers. Analysts warn that the measure could severely affect the global supply chain, especially in sectors that rely on Chinese imports, such as electronics and machinery.
How has China responded to the imposition of tariffs by the U.S.?
China has responded to the imposition of tariffs by the U.S. with retaliatory measures, including a 34% tariff on American products, and has declared that it will fight until the end if the United States continues to escalate tensions. Beijing has also imposed controls on strategic exports and sanctions on U.S. companies, intensifying the trade conflict.
What impact could this trade war have on technology and national security?
The trade war has implications that go beyond commerce, also affecting technology and national security. The case of TikTok illustrates the dimension of technological sovereignty and data control, as Trump has insisted on severing the app from its Chinese parent company. These tensions reflect concerns about access to sensitive information and the protection of technological infrastructure.
What stance has the Trump administration taken regarding this situation?
The Trump administration has taken a firm and protectionist stance, defending tariffs as a necessary measure to protect the U.S. economy. The administration has emphasized the need to restore jobs and strengthen the domestic industry, and has stated that it will not prioritize negotiations with China as long as tensions persist.
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