With reciprocal tariffs US-China Trade War Escalates: Trump Slaps 245% Tariffs, Beijing Warns of Global Fallout. President Donald Trump’s administration has announced 245% sweeping new tariffs on Chinese imports. As US-China Trade War Escalates this latest move has triggered a fierce response from Beijing. It is now preparing to confront the United States on the global stage, including a planned rebuke at the United Nations Security Council.

US-China Trade War Escalates: Trump Slaps 245% Tariffs, Beijing Warns of Global Fallout

Trump Administration Hits China With 245% Tariffs

The White House confirmed that the imposition of tariffs on goods imported from China is as high as 245%.  United States, accused Beijing of retaliatory trade practices and weaponizing its control over key high-tech materials. A fact sheet released late Tuesday says that the reason for rise in tariff is China’s increased duties on American goods and its restrictive export controls on critical resources like germanium, gallium, and rare earth metals.

As a result of its retaliatory actions, “China now faces up to a 245% tariff on imports to the United States, though it offered no further details about industries affected or specific products.

China’s Sharp Response: ‘Stop Playing the Tariff Numbers Game’

China’s Foreign Ministry dismissing the move in a press briefing on Thursday warned Washington that Beijing will ignore such provocations, if it continues with “tariff games.” Chinese officials argue that US started the trade war and is blaming others for its economic issues. It also accused US of hypocrisy.

China through its state media, China Daily, the Communist Party’s English-language mouthpiece, published a scathing editorial accusing the US of living beyond its means and freeloading on globalization. The editorial said, “The US is not getting ripped off by anybody.

It has borrowed money to sustain a higher standard of living than its productivity allows and outsourced its manufacturing.”

Beijing Plans UN Meeting to Condemn US ‘Bullying Tactics’

China, in a significant diplomatic move, announced that on April 23 it will convene an informal United Nations Security Council meeting to discuss what it calls “unilateralism and bullying practices” by the United States. A concept note for the meeting directly blames the US for “casting a shadow over global peace and development” and “weaponizing tariffs”.

The note reads “All countries, particularly developing nations, are victims of these bullying practices,” and calling for a collective stand against what Beijing views as destabilizing actions by Washington.

Trade Tensions Rattle Global Markets

The global economy has begun to shake already with the mounting tensions. This week the UN Trade and Development Agency warned that global economic growth could be dragged down to 2.3%, by the escalating trade uncertainties which is a worrying signal of a potential recessionary trend. Meanwhile, both sides beyond traditional tariffs continue to raise the stakes.

Purchases of Boeing aircraft parts and other US-made aviation products has reportedly instructed its airlines by China to stop. Also, the Hong Kong Postal Service announced a suspension of US-bound packages containing goods, citing “unreasonable fees and bullying acts” by the United States.

Economic Fallout and Political Posturing

In the first quarter of 2025, China reported a surprising 5.4% GDP growth, despite ongoing trade tensions, driven largely by a surge in exports ahead of expected US tariff hikes. However, according to the officials, given the ongoing challenges like youth unemployment and low domestic consumption, sustained recovery could be hindered by future trade pressures.

Currently touring Southeast Asia, Chinese President Xi Jinping, used the opportunity and called for deeper regional alliances. Ahead of his visit to Malaysia, Xi emphasized unity against “unilateralism and protectionism,” and called for a stronger strategic partnership with ASEAN nations.

US Maintains Hardline Stance: ‘The Ball Is in China’s Court’

Trump administration remains firm despite mounting diplomatic backlash and global concerns. “China needs to make a deal with us. We don’t have to make a deal with them” Trump declared, in a statement by White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.

Inquiries launched into possible tariffs by the administration on semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals, has further threatened disruptions to global supply chains.

Outlook: A Trade War with No End in Sight

Currently at 125% on US goods entering Chinaand 145% on Chinese goods to the US, which is tit-for-tat tariffs climb, this trade war, experts warn is morphing into a broader geopolitical standoff. Even as global markets grow increasingly anxious about the long-term consequences, both sides are adamant and unwilling to back down.

A recent reshuffle of China’s trade leadership, appointing its new trade negotiator, Li Chenggang, signals its intention to stay combative. Meanwhile, US investigations into additional sectors suggest that the economic battleground may soon expand even further. 

One thing is clear, in this climate of uncertainty that the US-China trade war is far from over, and the world economy may bear the brunt of the fallout.

Also Read: Trump Administration Considers Major Tariff Cuts on China Amid Trade War De-Escalation Talks

Also Read: Trump optimistic about ‘great deal’ with China after slapping 245% tariffs