U.S. President Trump's recent imposition of tariffs has sparked international concern and countermeasures. On April 3, 2025, Trump announced tariffs on imports, including a baseline tariff of 10% for all countries, with additional tariffs for nations deemed to have unfair trade practices. China faces a 34% import tax on top of an existing 20% surcharge, bringing the total to 54%. The EU faces a 20% tax. These measures are set to take effect on April 5 and April 9, 2025.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the EU is prepared to react strongly to the tariffs and is developing countermeasures if negotiations fail. Maroš Šefčovič, EU trade commissioner, is in contact with U.S. counterparts, reaffirming the EU's openness to dialogue while preparing response measures.
China's Ministry of Commerce has urged the U.S. to "immediately cancel" the tariffs, citing risks to global economic development and vowing to take countermeasures to protect its rights.
A prior agreement, the Economic and Trade Agreement Between the United States of America and the People's Republic of China: Phase One which went into effect February 14, 2020, required China to increase U.S. exports purchases by $200 billion over two years (2020-2021), but targets were unmet.