China Hits U.S. Imports with 84% Tariffs in Sharp Retaliation

China announced it will raise tariffs on U.S. goods to 84 percent starting Thursday, in a strong response to Washington’s latest tariff hikes targeting Chinese imports.

The move, revealed by China’s Ministry of Finance on Wednesday, comes just hours after the U.S. implemented new levies that brought duties on Chinese products up to 104 percent. Beijing slammed the escalation, calling it a serious violation of its economic interests and a blow to the global trade system.

“The tariff escalation against China by the United States simply piles mistakes on top of mistakes,” the finance ministry said in a statement, warning that the new measures will take effect at 12:01 pm local time Thursday.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has expanded tariff measures to dozens of trading partners, with China bearing the brunt of the increases. In response, Chinese officials have vowed to defend their economy with “firm and forceful” actions.

Zhiwei Zhang, president and chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management, said the decision sends a strong message. “The government is maintaining a hardline stance,” he said. “There won’t be a quick resolution to the conflict, and the economic damage will soon become clear.”

The trade dispute is also spilling into other areas. On Wednesday, China’s culture and tourism ministry advised citizens to reassess the risks of traveling to the U.S., citing worsening trade tensions and domestic security issues in America. The education ministry issued a similar caution to students considering study programs in the U.S.

In addition, Beijing’s commerce ministry announced it would blacklist six American companies — including Shield AI Inc. and Sierra Nevada Corp. — for supplying arms to Taiwan or collaborating on military technology with the island.

With both sides hardening their positions, the outlook for global trade and economic stability remains uncertain.