As President Donald Trump’s second term unfolds, US-China relations are marked by escalating trade tensions, retaliatory tariffs, and strategic maneuvers impacting global markets. Below is a timeline of key developments，reflecting events up to April 12, 2025.
April 11, 2025: China Raises Tariffs on US Goods to 125%, Signals End to Tariff Retaliation
China’s State Council Tariff Commission announced a tariff hike on US imports from 84% to 125%, effective April 12, matching the US’s 125% tariff imposed on April 9. The commission condemned the US tariffs as a violation of international trade rules and an act of “unilateral coercion.” Notably, China declared it would no longer respond to further US tariff increases, citing the unviability of US imports at current rates. However, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Li Jian emphasized China’s readiness to “fight to the end” if escalations continue, while advocating for dialogue based on mutual respect and equality.
April 10, 2025: White House Confirms Total US Tariff on China at 145%
A White House spokesperson clarified that the 125% reciprocal tariff on China, effective April 9, adds to the existing 20% tariff, resulting in a total rate of 145%. This rate serves as a baseline, layered atop prior tariffs, including Trump’s first-term Section 301 duties and Biden’s tariffs on electric vehicles, solar panels, and semiconductors. Exemptions for steel and aluminum tariffs (25%) do not apply to China, as Biden already imposed equivalent duties in 2024.
April 9, 2025: China Bolsters Economic Measures Amid Trade War
Premier Li Qiang, speaking at an economic symposium, outlined robust policies to counter the trade war’s impact. He called for proactive macroeconomic stimulus, rapid implementation of existing measures, and new targeted policies to stabilize employment, boost household incomes, and expand domestic demand. Li emphasized modernizing consumer goods, enhancing service consumption, and integrating technological innovation to strengthen supply chains. Support for businesses includes improved financing access, timely payments, and a better regulatory environment.
April 9, 2025: US Raises De Minimis Duty to 120%
Trump’s executive order raising tariffs on China to 125% also increased de minimis parcel duties from China and Hong Kong, effective May 1:
- 120% ad valorem tariff (up from 90%) on declared value.
- Per-item fees: $100 (May 1), rising to $200 (June 1).
April 9, 2025: US Escalates China Tariff to 125%, Pauses Tariffs on Other Nations
Trump announced a 125% tariff on Chinese goods via Truth Social, effective immediately, following China’s 84% tariff hike on US goods. He paused reciprocal tariffs on other countries for 90 days, maintaining a 10% base tariff globally. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called tariff wars counterproductive, reiterating China’s willingness to negotiate but readiness to respond if needed.
April 9, 2025: China Imposes 84% Tariff on US Goods
China’s Ministry of Finance raised tariffs on US goods from 34% to 84%, effective April 10, matching the US’s prior 84% reciprocal tariff. The ministry labeled US actions a “mistake” damaging global trade rules and China’s interests.
April 9, 2025: China Targets US Companies with Export Controls, Unreliable Entities List
The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) added 12 US firms, including American Photonics and Firestorm Labs, to its export control list, and six, including Shield AI, to the unreliable entities list, citing national security concerns. Export-controlled firms cannot purchase dual-use goods from China, while unreliable entities face bans on trade and investment in China.
April 9, 2025: Trump Raises China Tariff to 104%, De Minimis Duty to 90%
Trump’s executive order increased the China tariff from 34% to 84% (total 104% with prior duties), effective April 9, after China maintained its 34% tariff. De minimis duties rose to:
- 90% ad valorem (from 30%).
- $75 per item (May 2), rising to $150 (June 1).
China’s Foreign Ministry called the move “economic bullying,” vowing a firm response.
April 8, 2025: Tensions Rise as Trump Threatens 50% Tariff Hike
Trump threatened an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods (total 104%) if China did not repeal its 34% tariff by April 9. China’s MOFCOM denounced the threat as blackmail, promising countermeasures while urging dialogue based on mutual respect.
April 4, 2025: Trump Delays TikTok Ban for 75 Days
Trump signed an executive order delaying TikTok’s ban-or-sell deadline by 75 days, following a similar delay in January. Reports suggest ByteDance’s potential US sale was disrupted by new tariffs, positioning TikTok as a bargaining chip in trade talks.
April 4, 2025: China Probes DuPont for Antitrust Violations
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation launched an antitrust investigation into DuPont China, focusing on its Tyvek business, likely in response to US tariffs. Chinese media reported DuPont’s alleged suppression of local competitors.
April 4, 2025: China Retaliates with 34% Tariff, Export Controls
China imposed a 34% tariff on US goods, effective April 10, matching the US’s 34% hike. MOFCOM restricted exports of seven rare earths and listed 16 US firms on export controls and 11 on the unreliable entities list, citing security and Taiwan-related concerns.
April 2, 2025: Trump Ends De Minimis Exemption, Raises China Tariff to 54%
Trump signed an executive order ending the de minimis exemption for Chinese and Hong Kong parcels, effective May 2, with duties of:
- 30% ad valorem.
- $25 per item (May), $50 (June).
The China tariff rose to 54% (20% base + 34% reciprocal), impacting e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu. The White House cited fentanyl trafficking concerns.
March 26, 2025: US-China Trade Talks Held Virtually
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Vice Premier He Lifeng discussed trade relations. Greer highlighted Trump’s focus on fair competition, while He urged equal consultations to resolve disputes, amid ongoing tariff tensions.
March 25, 2025: US Adds 50+ Chinese Entities to Entity List
The US Commerce Department added over 50 Chinese firms, including Inspur Group subsidiaries, to its Entity List, restricting access to US technology for military and computing applications. China called the move an abuse of export controls, hinting at retaliation.
March 23, 2025: Premier Li Meets US Senator Daines
At the China Development Forum, Premier Li Qiang met Senator Steve Daines, advocating dialogue over confrontation. The meeting, the first high-level contact since Trump’s inauguration, underscored trade’s role amid 20% US tariffs.
March 20, 2025: US Sanctions Chinese Oil Firms
The US sanctioned a Guangdong oil terminal and Shandong refinery for allegedly handling Iranian crude, alongside 12 entities tied to Iran’s “shadow fleet.” China criticized the sanctions as disruptive to legitimate business.
March 4, 2025: China Targets US Agriculture in Retaliation
China’s Ministry of Finance imposed tariffs on US agricultural goods (15% on chicken, wheat; 10% on soybeans, pork), effective March 10, and filed a WTO complaint against US tariffs. The move hits Trump’s voter base in red states.
March 3, 2025: Trump Raises China Tariff to 20%
Trump increased the China tariff to 20%, effective March 4, citing China’s inaction on fentanyl. China’s Global Times reported potential counter-tariffs on US agriculture.
February 27, 2025: Trump Threatens Further 10% Tariff
Trump announced a planned 20% China tariff (10% additional) from March 4, alleging Chinese fentanyl supply via Mexico and Canada. China dismissed the claim as an excuse for economic pressure.
February 21, 2025: Trump Restricts Chinese Investment
A National Security Presidential Memorandum limited China-affiliated investments in US tech, infrastructure, and agriculture, citing risks to strategic industries. China warned of reduced market confidence.
February 13, 2025: Trump Plans Reciprocal Tariffs Globally
Trump’s “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” targeted non-reciprocal trade practices, potentially increasing tariffs on Chinese goods due to subsidies and VAT. The EU and others may retaliate.
February 10, 2025: Trump Imposes Global Steel, Aluminum Tariffs
A 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, effective March 12, indirectly affects China’s re-exports via third countries like Vietnam. China’s direct steel exports to the US are minimal (0.8% of total).
February 4, 2025: China Counters with Tariffs, Rare Earth Controls
China imposed tariffs (15% on coal, LNG; 10% on oil, cars) and restricted 25 rare earth metals, leveraging its dominance in critical minerals. An antitrust probe into Google and unreliable entities listing of Illumina and PVH followed US tariffs.
February 1, 2025: Trump Initiates 10% China Tariff
Trump’s executive order imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, effective February 4, citing fentanyl concerns, alongside ending the de minimis exemption. China vowed WTO action and countermeasures.
January 20, 2025: Trump’s Term Begins with Trade Focus
Trump’s second term started with a directive reviewing trade imbalances, targeting China’s unmet 2020 trade deal commitments. No immediate tariffs were imposed, signaling a strategic approach.
January 20, 2025: Trump Delays TikTok Ban
Trump delayed TikTok’s ban-or-sell deadline by 75 days, providing ByteDance time to negotiate a sale amid trade tensions.
January 20, 2025: Musk Meets China’s Vice President
Elon Musk met Vice President Han Zheng, reaffirming Tesla’s commitment to China. The meeting highlighted business diplomacy’s role in stabilizing US-China ties.