09.04.2025 16:52
In the trade war that has put the world against him and imposed tariffs, the Trump administration warned Europe about cooperating with China. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, "Europe will cut its own throat if it acts in concert with China."
```html
The customs duty rate imposed by the USA on China has increased to 104% as of today. The White House announced that a customs duty of 104% will be applied starting from April 9, due to China's failure to lift retaliatory tariffs within the recognized timeframe. Following this move, the Chinese Ministry of Finance retaliated by announcing that the additional tariff rate to be applied to US goods will be 84%.
EU ALSO RETALIATED
The European Union (EU) approved a retaliatory package exceeding 20 billion euros in response to the customs duties imposed by the USA. With the new regulation, additional taxes will be imposed on some American products starting from April 15.
The European Commission stated, "If the US side accepts a fair and balanced negotiation outcome, these countermeasures can be suspended at any time." Brussels also emphasized that it prefers to keep negotiation channels open rather than escalating tensions.
FIRST REACTION FROM THE USA TO CHINA'S DECISION: WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?
In a statement following the decision, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed that China's retaliatory move against the USA at a rate of 84% is unfortunate, saying, "What's the big deal?" and described it as a losing decision for Beijing.
CHINA THREATENS THE EU
Responding to the EU's retaliation, Bessent threatened Europe over China. He stated, "If Europe acts in concert with China, it will cut its own throat."
WHAT HAPPENED?
On April 2, US President Donald Trump announced that he would impose an additional 34% customs tariff on China as part of "reciprocal tariffs." China reacted to the US tariff increase, announcing that it would impose an additional tariff at the same rate of 34%. In response, President Trump stated that if China does not withdraw the additional 34% tariff increase it imposed as retaliation for the reciprocal tariffs, he would impose an additional 50% tariff and cancel planned talks with China. With the new tariff increase, the minimum customs duty rate applied by the USA on imported products from China will rise to 104%. China had announced that it would raise the customs duty on imported products from the USA to 84% amid escalating trade tensions with the USA.
```