Trump China Tariff 2025 is once again making global headlines. Former President Donald Trump proposes an 80% tariff on Chinese goods ahead of a new round of trade talks. The move signals renewed tensions between the world’s two largest economies and has raised concerns among international businesses and financial markets.
Trump’s Bold Proposal: Trump China Tariff 2025
Just before upcoming negotiations in Switzerland, Trump posted on social media that “China deserves an 80% tariff.” This aggressive stance is aimed at pressuring Beijing, but has also ignited fears of a new phase in the US-China trade tariffs dispute.
This is not the first time Trump has taken such action. Since April, he has imposed up to 145% import duties on various Chinese goods, impacting trade volume and market stability. Despite these moves, recent data shows U.S. exports rose by 8.1% overall, while exports to China dropped by over 20% year-over-year.
China Responds With Caution and Confidence
In response, Chinese officials have expressed confidence. Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying stated that Beijing has “full confidence” in managing trade tensions with the U.S. This optimism comes despite rising pressure on both economies and calls for a resolution.
Eurasia Group’s Dan Wang noted that both sides appear motivated to de-escalate tensions. “Signs from both governments suggest they are exploring ways to reduce transactional friction,” Wang told.
Economic Impact of Trump’s China Tariff 2025
The US China trade tariffs have already begun to strain global supply chains. U.S.-based companies such as Wild Rye, an outdoor apparel brand, reported a massive rise in shipping costs due to tariffs on goods manufactured in China. CEO Cassie Abel said their expected $700,000 shipment could now cost over $1.2 million due to rising import duties.
For some, this has meant considering selling parts of their business just to raise cash. Many companies worldwide are rushing to strike trade deals with the U.S. before the new tariffs take effect next month.
What’s Next in US-China Trade Talks?
While this week’s meeting is considered a first step, experts warn that deep-rooted structural disagreements remain. Former U.S. trade negotiator Stephen Olson believes that any tariff reductions coming out of this meeting are likely to be modest.
“Systemic friction between the U.S. and China won’t disappear overnight,” he said. Negotiations will be led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng, but Olson emphasized that any final deal would likely require the involvement of both nations’ presidents.
Former IMF China head Eswar Prasad echoed this caution, saying, “A realistic goal might be to pull back from the sharpest tariff spikes, but high trade barriers and other restrictions will likely persist.”
