Today's News: U.S.-China Trade War Intensifies With Massive Tariff Escalations
President Donald Trump raised tariffs on all Chinese imports to 145%, and Beijing retaliated with a 125% levy on American goods.
Photo: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images
Overview
Date: April 11, 2025
Topic: U.S.-China Trade War Intensifies With Massive Tariff Escalations
Summary: The United States and China have escalated their trade war to unprecedented levels, with President Donald Trump raising tariffs on all Chinese imports to 145% and Beijing retaliating with a 125% levy on American goods. Trump’s administration frames the move as leverage for better trade terms, while Chinese officials have vowed to “fight to the end,” dismissing the tariffs as economically meaningless. Markets have responded with volatility, and economists warn of dire global consequences, including inflation, recession risk, and breakdowns in trade diplomacy. Despite Trump’s insistence that a deal is possible, both sides remain entrenched, with stalled communication and conflicting negotiation styles deepening the impasse.
Sources
The New York Times – China Raises Tariffs on U.S. Imports to 125%, Calling Trump’s Policies a ‘Joke’
CNN – A US-China trade war could be catastrophic. What is Trump’s endgame strategy?
CNN – Trump is waiting for Xi to call. The Chinese see it differently
NBC News – Why Trump's attempt to pressure Beijing with ever-rising tariffs could backfire
The Washington Post – China raises tariffs on U.S. goods to 125 percent as trade war deepens
Fox Business – Trump 'optimistic' China will make tariff deal, White House says
The Wall Street Journal – Treasury selloff extends as consumer sentiment plunges
For additional background, see Trump Has Long Misled With Claims About Global Trade and Tariffs, in The New York Times, not included in this summary.
Key Points
The U.S. increased tariffs on all Chinese imports to 145%, prompting China to retaliate with 125% tariffs on U.S. goods.
China has refused to initiate high-level talks, insisting that Trump must make the first move, while Trump’s team believes that China should request negotiations.
Both countries’ leaders have publicly stated they are not afraid of prolonged conflict, signaling no near-term resolution.
The trade war is hurting global markets, spurring fears of inflation, recession, and disrupted supply chains.
Trump’s approach emphasizes unilateral power and maximum pressure, while China favors protocol and multilateral diplomacy.
Experts agree the tit-for-tat strategy could devastate both economies, with consumers and small businesses suffering the most.
Unique Highlights
CNN reveals Trump privately told China to have Xi request a call, a move Beijing viewed as humiliating and strategically unacceptable.
NBC News quotes Chinese government adviser Wu Xinbo asserting that China will keep fighting, fearing that concessions would be seen as weakness.
The Washington Post details European leaders' reactions, including French President Macron calling Trump’s 90-day pause “fragile” and the EU preparing countermeasures.
Fox Business reports that Trump remains “optimistic” and has 15 countries pursuing tariff deals, though no details have been disclosed.
The Wall Street Journal notes consumer sentiment in the U.S. plunged and that retail apps like Temu saw sharp declines, implying direct consumer impact from the tariffs.
The New York Times features a Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson mocking the tariffs as a “numbers game” with no economic logic.
Contrasting Details
Fox Business presents Trump’s outlook as hopeful and proactive, while CNN and NBC News portray his strategy as erratic and disconnected from diplomatic norms.
The Wall Street Journal highlights market gains amid optimism over global trade talks, contrasting with The Washington Post’s and CNN’s focus on volatility and recession risk.
The New York Times emphasizes historical context and mutual economic interdependence, whereas CNN underscores the personal dynamics and communication breakdowns between Trump and Xi.
NBC News and CNN stress that China’s resistance is rooted in historical grievance and stability priorities, while Fox Business implies China is under pressure to cave.
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