U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark new ultimatum to China, vowing to impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports if Beijing does not withdraw its recently enacted retaliatory tariffs by Tuesday. The threat signals a significant escalation in the ongoing trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies.

In a post on Truth Social Monday morning, Trump warned that China’s decision to impose a 34% tariff on U.S. goods—matching Washington’s own 34% tariff announced last week—would not go unanswered. “If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long-term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th,” Trump wrote.

He also stated that all talks with China would be suspended if Beijing does not comply. “Negotiations with other countries, which have also requested meetings, will begin taking place immediately,” the president added.

The White House had previously imposed a 34% tariff on Chinese imports last Wednesday, triggering immediate retaliation from Beijing. Trump’s threat to raise tariffs by a further 50% would be on top of the 34% announced last week and the 20% already in place, according to a senior White House official speaking to ABC News.

Markets have responded sharply to the escalating tensions. Monday marked the third consecutive day of steep losses across global equities, with investor sentiment rattled by fears of a full-blown trade war. U.S. stocks wavered between gains and losses throughout the morning amid conflicting reports about a possible 90-day delay to the new tariffs—rumors the White House quickly dismissed as "fake news."

China has remained defiant in the face of Trump’s threats. In a statement to Agence France-Presse, Chinese embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said, “We have stressed more than once that pressuring or threatening China is not a right way to engage with us. China will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”

Analysts say the tit-for-tat tariff battle could have far-reaching implications for the global economy. With negotiations now at a standstill and both sides digging in, concerns are mounting over disrupted supply chains, higher consumer prices, and slower growth.

While economic uncertainty loomed, President Trump appeared unfazed. Shortly after delivering his trade warning, he hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers at the White House to celebrate their World Series victory—a stark juxtaposition to the economic volatility playing out behind the scenes.

The clock now ticks toward Trump’s April 9th deadline, with markets, businesses, and policymakers worldwide watching closely for Beijing’s next move.

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