The United States will implement a 104% tariff on Chinese imports starting at 12:01 a.m. EDT Wednesday, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt during a Tuesday briefing. The move marks the beginning of steep duties on Chinese goods, a follow-through on President Trump’s warning issued via Truth Social on Monday.
Trump had threatened an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports after Beijing announced plans to impose a 34% levy on U.S. goods. This response followed Trump’s declaration of a 34% tariff specifically targeting all imports from China.
In his post, Trump also announced the suspension of all negotiations with China, while continuing talks with other international partners.
On Tuesday, China’s commerce ministry vowed to respond strongly if Trump did not retract the tariffs, pledging to “fight to the end.” In her remarks, Leavitt clarified that the broader set of retaliatory tariffs—targeting around 90 nations—was aimed at prompting trade discussions with the U.S.
“President Trump is open to strong offers from global partners,” Leavitt said. “But any deal must prioritize American workers.” She noted that 70 countries have already approached the administration, hoping to negotiate lower tariffs through mutually beneficial concessions.
Leavitt also criticized China’s retaliatory stance, stating that doubling down on policies harmful to American labor was a misstep. She reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to reshoring U.S. manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign sources for essentials like food, medicine, and critical minerals.
“President Trump has a spine of steel,” she declared. “A resilient America cannot depend on others for its survival.”
Meanwhile, critics—including figures on Wall Street—warn that the tariffs could lead to higher inflation and economic slowdown.
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, in his annual letter to shareholders, cautioned that while it’s unclear if the tariffs will trigger a recession, they will likely hinder growth.
Goldman Sachs analysts echoed that concern, raising the probability of a recession in the next 12 months to 45%, up from 35%. The firm cited tighter financial conditions, consumer pushback against American products, and uncertainty surrounding Trump’s economic policies as potential drags on business investment.
