China’s sweeping 84% tariff on all U.S. imports officially took effect at 12:01 a.m. ET (04:00 GMT) on Thursday, escalating trade tensions with Washington.
The new duties, announced by China’s State Administration Council, apply to the full range of American products entering the world’s second-largest economy. Last year, these imports totaled $143.5 billion, according to the U.S. Trade Representative’s office.
This marks China’s second major retaliatory move following U.S. tariff hikes on Chinese goods, which now reach up to 125%.
In addition to the tariff escalation, Beijing has blacklisted 18 U.S. companies, including aerospace firm Sierra Nevada Corporation.
Despite the rising tensions, Chinese officials say they remain open to dialogue—under specific conditions. “We welcome negotiations, but only on the basis of mutual respect and equality,” said He Yongqian, a spokesman for China’s Ministry of Commerce.
He emphasized that pressure tactics and threats are ineffective, warning that China will “follow through to the end” if the U.S. continues its current course.
