How will China respond to Donald Trump’s new tariffs?
$16 billion in Chinese imports to be hit with 25% tariff in two weeks

The Trump administration has announced a further round of tariffs on Chinese imports, escalating a mounting trade war that has raised concerns among US businesses that the cost of goods for American consumers is set to rise.
According to the US Trade Representative’s Office (USTR), a total of 279 Chinese products will attract tariffs, down from an initial list of 284 products that was published on 15 June.
CNBC reports that the latest list “brings to about $50 billion in goods that now face a 25% tariff”, noting that “semiconductors, among the largest categories, remained on the list”.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Bloomberg reports that the $50 billion total could increase soon, with the USTR “reviewing 10% tariffs on a further $200 billion in Chinese imports, and is even considering raising the rate to 25%”, which may come into effect on 6 September.
The move comes despite vows from China that it will impose tit-for-tat tariffs on US products, including meat, coffee and automobile parts, and complaints from Beijing accusing the US of “trade blackmail”.
“In violation of the bilateral consensus reached after multiple rounds of negotiations, the United States has again unilaterally escalated trade frictions,” the Chinese State Council Tariff Commission said in a statement.
The announcement comes after Donald Trump took several swipes at China over the weekend, including telling a rally that he holds the advantage over China, and that playing hardball on trade is “my thing”.
“Tariffs are working big time. Every country on Earth wants to take wealth out of the US, always to our detriment. I say, as they come, tax them, If they don’t want to be taxed, let them make or build the product in the US. In either event, it means jobs and great wealth,” Trump said.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Magazine solutions - April 4, 2025
Feature Issue - April 4, 2025
By The Week Staff Published
-
Magazine printables - April 4, 2025
Feature Issue - April 4, 2025
By The Week Staff Published
-
What dangers does the leaked Signal chat expose the US to?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION The White House's ballooning group chat scandal offered a masterclass in what not to say when prying eyes might be watching
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Elon Musk: has he made Tesla toxic?
Talking Point Musk's political antics have given him the 'reverse Midas touch' when it comes to his EV empire
By The Week UK Published
-
Why are stocks in 'correction' and not a bear market?
Today's Big Question Investors still hope for a 'flip' in Trump's trade policies
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Trump's tariffs: is EU's retaliation the best move?
Today's Big Question Global US levy on steel and aluminium imports has the EU hitting back but the UK keeping options open
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
What are reciprocal tariffs and how do they work?
The Explainer And will they fix America's trade deficit?
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Trade wars, explained
The Explainer Free trade is almost always good for any economy – so why is it so unpopular?
By The Week UK Published
-
What is a sovereign wealth fund?
The Explainer And will Trump use one to buy TikTok?
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Trump's China tariffs start after Canada, Mexico pauses
Speed Read The president paused his tariffs on America's closest neighbors after speaking to their leaders, but his import tax on Chinese goods has taken effect
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Pros and cons of tariffs
Pros and Cons As Trump imposes tariffs on cars from overseas, here are the arguments for and against duties
By The Week UK Last updated