🌐 Trump Threatens 50% Tariff: China Vows to 'Fight to the End' as Trade War Tensions Rise After Trump’s Tariff Threat

Tensions between the United States and China have reached a new high after President Donald Trump issued a stern ultimatum to Beijing, threatening an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports unless China withdraws its retaliatory 34% tariffs on U.S. goods by April 8.

Donald Trump proposes steep new tariffs on China, fueling fresh tensions in
U.S.-China trade relations.

This latest move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute, reigniting fears of a full-blown global trade war.

The White House’s announcement follows a series of tit-for-tat tariff hikes between the world's two largest economies. The U.S. had earlier imposed a 34% tariff on Chinese products, prompting an equal 34% retaliatory measure from Beijing.

In response, China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a defiant statement, vowing to “fight to the end” if the situation spirals into a trade war, signaling Beijing’s readiness for a long-term economic confrontation.

“We will not yield to pressure. If necessary, we will take all measures to protect our national economic interests,” said a spokesperson from the ministry.

💹 Global Markets Remain Surprisingly Resilient

Despite the brewing storm, global financial markets showed unexpected resilience:

• European and Asian indices posted modest gains, fueled by optimism over ongoing trade negotiations with other partners like Japan and Israel.

• Analysts attribute this market stability to hopes of tariff reductions in bilateral trade talks beyond China.

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Meanwhile, the European Union extended an olive branch to the U.S. by proposing a “zero-for-zero” tariff agreement on industrial goods to help de-escalate tensions. However, President Trump rejected the offer, branding the EU’s trade practices as “antagonistic to U.S. interests.”

Recession Fears Mount

Economists are growing increasingly wary of the potential global economic fallout:

• JPMorgan estimates a 60% probability of a global recession if the tariff war deepens.

• Goldman Sachs and Morningstar are more cautious, placing the odds between 40% and 50%.

Business leaders across multiple sectors have voiced concerns over supply chain disruptions, inflation, and a decline in consumer confidence as potential ripple effects.

“A prolonged trade war between the U.S. and China could significantly derail the fragile post-pandemic economic recovery,” warned Lisa Harding, Chief Economist at Global Growth Partners.

What’s Next?

With President Trump's April 8 deadline looming, all eyes are on Beijing's next move. The international community is urging both powers to pursue diplomacy to avert a costly and prolonged economic confrontation.

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🔍 The Miraspect News will continue monitoring this developing story, providing in-depth updates on global trade, economic diplomacy, and the potential impact on both local and international markets.

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News Source: Al Jazeera