Beijing, 9 April 2025 (dpa/MIA) - The tariff conflict between the United States and China intensified on Wednesday, with Beijing matching further US tariffs of 50% in a tit-for-tat move.

Beijing's initially planned special tariffs of 34% on all US imports are now to be 84%, which will come into effect on Thursday, according to the Chinese leadership.

This marks another escalation in the trade conflict between the world's two largest economies.

At 0401 GMT, further special tariffs on goods imported to the US from China, which now total 104%, came into effect. Compared to other countries trading with the US, China is affected by particularly high tariffs.

Trump awaits call from Beijing

US President Donald Trump had earlier announced further surcharges of another 50% for China. He was responding to Beijing's announced counter-tariffs of 34%.

China has repeatedly threatened to respond to US tariffs with its own measures.

Other trading partners also affected

Trump aims to correct alleged trade imbalances with tariffs and relocate production to the US. At the same time, the tariff revenues are intended to at least partially offset the tax cuts he promised during the election campaign.

Besides China, the new US special tariffs on many other countries trading with the US also came into effect on Wednesday. For the EU, 20% applies, while imports from other countries are subject to even higher levies in some cases.

MIA file photo