Trade war between the United States and China: the definitive summary

In the last seven days, the commercial tension between the United States and China has reached new peaks, culminating in a true escalation made of tariffs, threats, and even a viral media attack in deepfake style. President Donald Trump has renewed his economic battle against Beijing, raising tariffs on Chinese products to 104% starting from April 9, 2025. The Chinese response came unexpectedly: with a video generated by artificial intelligence that went viral in a few hours.

April 2, 2025: official tariffs and national emergency declaration

Trump signs Executive Order 14257, imposing a global tariff of 10% on all imports into the United States and additional country-specific tariffs. China is subjected to a 34% increase, bringing the total to 54% on all Chinese goods. In the same order, Trump declares a national emergency to justify the measures under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The tariffs are set to take effect on April 9.

April 4, 2025: the response of China

Beijing responds by announcing additional tariffs of 34% on all goods coming from the United States, effective from April 10. Restrictions on the export of rare earths are also introduced, and the “blacklist” of U.S. entities considered unreliable is updated.

April 6, 2025: Trump insists during an international meeting

During a conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump describes the tariffs as “the only chance to redraw the global trade table.” The new measures are also justified by accusing China of fueling the fentanyl crisis in the USA.

April 7, 2025: the ultimatum

Trump publishes a post on Truth Social: if China does not withdraw its 34% tariffs by April 8, the United States will introduce additional tariffs of 50%, bringing the total to 104%. The president suspends all dialogue with Beijing and declares the intention to strengthen trade relations with allies such as Japan, Israel, and Europe.

April 8, 2025: Beijing Promises Battle

The spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce declares: “We will fight until the end.” The Foreign Ministry accuses the USA of “unilateral blackmail” and criticizes the statements of Vice President JD Vance. The willingness to dialogue between the parties seems to have been nullified.

April 9, 2025: the 104% tariff comes into effect and Chinese propaganda begins

At midnight, the USA tariffs on Chinese products officially rise to 104%. On the same day, a video created with AI and distributed by Chinese media shows American workers in precarious conditions and decaying factories. The message is clear: “This is what happens without China.” The video, ending with the slogan “Make America Great Again,” generates mixed reactions online, between irony and concern.

To watch the full video that went viral click here.

Markets in turmoil… but tech soars

Despite the tightening of tariffs, Wall Street surprises: on April 9, the Dow Jones rises by 1,300 points (+3.3%), the S&P 500 gains 3.4%, and the Nasdaq soars by 3.9%. Apple, Tesla, and Nvidia lead the rebound, supported by the prospect of a reorganization of supply chains. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent downplays the Chinese reaction, calling it “a losing move.”

The possible countermeasures of Beijing

China could block cooperation on the fight against fentanyl, hit American financial services operating in the country, or limit agricultural imports from the USA. Many companies are considering moving operations to Europe or other more stable Asian markets.

A global economic war with uncertain outcomes

This new wave of protectionism risks leaving deep marks on the global economy. American consumers fear a surge in prices, while China might redirect its exports to Europe and emerging countries. For Trump, this is an ideological as well as an economic battle: “It is our declaration of industrial independence,” he stated in his speech at the Rose Garden.