📰🔥 TRADE WAR EXPLODES: U.S. ESCALATES TARIFFS ON CHINA TO 145%

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By Staff Writer | Global Affairs Desk

Washington/Beijing — The trade standoff between the United States and China intensified dramatically Thursday as the White House confirmed it would hike tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, further igniting what many are calling the most volatile global economic conflict in decades.

Initially announced on Wednesday as 125%, the new figure includes an additional 20% tariff tied to China’s alleged involvement in fentanyl production, marking a rare fusion of economic and national security concerns in tariff policy.

In an equally defiant move, China imposed retaliatory tariffs of 84% on U.S. goods, which officially took effect Thursday. Beijing has refused to return to the negotiating table, declaring it would “fight to the end” in what it now refers to as a full-scale tariff war.

“The U.S. cannot win the support of the people and will end in failure,”
— Lin Jian, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

The latest escalation comes just a day after President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for most other trading partners, citing ongoing negotiations and the global market turmoil sparked earlier in the week.

Markets around the world have been reeling since the announcements, with stock indices plummeting over the weekend and continuing their downward trajectory into the new week. Analysts warn that the extended tit-for-tat could shave significant points off both nations’ GDPs and severely impact global supply chains.

“Trump’s tariff policy has now reached an unprecedented high,” said one trade analyst in Washington. “We’re watching the dismantling of decades of economic integration unfold in real time.”

Meanwhile, China is shifting its diplomatic and economic focus toward Europe, aiming to reinforce ties amid tensions with Washington. A phone call between Premier Li Qiang and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was described by Chinese media as “sending a positive message to the outside world.”

According to China’s official Xinhua News Agency, Beijing is looking to “strengthen communication and exchanges, and deepen China-EU trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.”

With both sides hardening their stances and no immediate diplomatic efforts in sight, economists warn that this trade war could have long-term repercussions, not only for the U.S. and China but for the entire global economy.