Trump Imposes 104% Tariff on Chinese Goods, No Delay Planned

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the media, stating unequivocally that there would be no deferment or reconsideration.

“I spoke to the President before this briefing. He is not considering any extension or postponement. These tariffs will come into force as scheduled,” she said, putting to rest all speculation about a possible delay.

The decision comes in response to China’s earlier move to impose a 34% retaliatory tariff on American goods, following Washington's previous hikes. The United States had already levied a 54% tariff—20% earlier this year and 34% last week. With China refusing to roll back its measures by the President’s April 8 deadline, an additional 50% was added, taking the total to 104%.

“China made a mistake by retaliating. When America is hit, the President hits back harder,” Leavitt remarked. She also hinted that the US remains open to negotiations, though the pathway remains unclear.

The announcement triggered a flurry of diplomatic activity. Nearly 70 countries have reportedly contacted the White House, seeking exemptions or clarifications, highlighting widespread concern over a potential global trade conflict.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the tariffs as “a major blow to the world economy” and called for a dialogue-based resolution. She proposed a “zero-for-zero tariff” agreement while preparing countermeasures.

Taiwan, now facing a 32% tariff, has criticised the move as “deeply unreasonable,” especially after TSMC’s $100 billion investment in the US led to an exemption for semiconductors.

India, impacted by a 26% tariff, is assessing sector-wise implications. While pharmaceutical exports remain unaffected, challenges loom for electronics and textiles. The government is closely studying the matter before taking any retaliatory steps.

Vietnam, slapped with a 46% tariff, has dispatched a deputy prime minister to Washington in a bid to negotiate a deferment, as its financial markets reel from the news.

Other nations, such as Brazil and Colombia, are adopting a wait-and-watch approach. Brazil has passed a reciprocity bill, while Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro hinted at potential advantages for Latin American exporters.

Domestically, criticism is growing. Republican donor and Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone termed the tariff framework “an economic miscalculation” that could hurt trade and lead to a global slowdown.

Kimbal Musk, Tesla board member, also voiced his opposition, calling it “a structural, permanent tax on the American consumer.” He argued that even if jobs return to the US, prices would remain high due to inefficiencies in local production.

On social media platform X, many users expressed concern about rising costs for small businesses and farmers. Some warned that continued escalation might lead to bankruptcies in the agricultural sector.

Billionaire Elon Musk has publicly disagreed with Trump advisor Peter Navarro, underscoring growing rifts within Trump’s inner circle over trade strategy.

A study by the Budget Lab at Yale estimates that the new tariffs could cost the average American household $3,800 per year, with low-income families shouldering an additional burden of around $1,700.

Economists predict price hikes across sectors, especially in consumer electronics, clothing, and industrial equipment.

Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its tough stance, promising to “fight to the end,” adding to fears of a prolonged trade standoff.

While the administration maintains the tariffs are essential for protecting US interests and correcting trade imbalances, critics argue that the strategy might have adverse long-term consequences.

President Trump recently claimed that “China wants to make a deal, badly,” a statement that appears inconsistent with Beijing’s firm position.

Studies by the National Bureau of Economic Research and the US International Trade Commission have shown that earlier tariffs contributed to price hikes without delivering significant gains in employment.

Analysts warn of the risks of a prolonged trade war, especially in the face of current market volatility. The S&P 500 has already fallen by over 9% in the past three weeks.

The administration’s approach has also irked allies such as Canada and the European Union, potentially undermining diplomatic ties at a time when coordinated global efforts are vital.

With tensions escalating, the global economic outlook remains uncertain. Markets, governments, and industries worldwide are watching closely to see how the US and China navigate the next phase of this ongoing dispute.