Donald Trump levies biggest tariffs on China yet
US targeting £150 billion worth of Chinese goods in escalation of the trade war

Donald Trump has announced a fresh round of tariffs on Chinese goods, targeting £150 billion worth of products in a large escalation of the trade war between the two countries.
While announcing the latest tariffs, Trump warned China that any retaliatory action would result in “phase three” of the tariffs, which would see a further £200 billion worth of tariffs introduced.
The BBC says the new round of taxes are in response to China’s “unfair trade practices, including subsidies and rules that require foreign companies in some sectors to bring on local partners”.
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.
“We have been very clear about the type of changes that need to be made, and we have given China every opportunity to treat us more fairly,” Trump said. “But, so far, China has been unwilling to change its practices.”
The Guardian says that unlike previous tariffs that targeted businesses, the latest taxes will “directly hit thousands of consumer goods from luggage and electronics to housewares and foods, increasing costs”.
The new tariffs are due to come into force on 34 September.
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
-
Netanyahu's Qatar problem
Two of the prime minister's key advisers are accused of taking bribes from the Gulf state in exchange for favourable publicity
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK
-
Cartier at the V&A: a 'dazzling' show
The Week Recommends A 'once-in-a-lifetime' display of the French jeweller's 'exquisite' objects
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK
-
Blue Origin all-female flight: one giant leap back for womankind?
Talking Point 'Morally vacuous' celeb space crew embody defeat for feminism
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK
-
Who would win in a China-US trade war?
Today's Big Question Tariff pain will be higher for China but Beijing is betting it can weather the storm
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
Lesotho: the tiny African nation in the crosshairs of Trump's tariff war
Under the Radar US president imposes 50% reciprocal levy on the impoverished state: the highest of his so-called 'Liberation Day' tariffs
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
What is the job market's future after Trump's tariffs?
Talking Points Economic analysts are split on what the tariffs could mean for employees
By Justin Klawans, The Week US
-
Is this the end of globalisation?
Today's Big Question American-led post-war order is 'finally starting to crumble' but that could bring about 'a more inclusive world'
By The Week UK
-
How could stock market slides affect you?
Today's Big Question Pensions, prices and jobs at risk as Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day' measures take hold
By The Week UK
-
Are free trade zones and alliances the answer to Trump's tariffs?
Today's Big Question Temptation is to retaliate with trade barriers, but most agree nations should focus on targeted trade pacts and strengthening cooperation
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
Trump tariffs: five scenarios for the world's economy
The Explainer A US recession? A trade war with China? How 'Liberation Day' could realign the globe
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
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