#USChinaTensions

US-China Tensions: April 2025 Update

The US-China trade war has escalated sharply under Trump’s second term, with 145% US tariffs on Chinese imports (including existing 20% + 125% “reciprocal” duties) China retaliated by raising tariffs on US goods to 125% and vowing not to respond further to US hikes

Tariff Wars:

US: Exempted electronics (computers, smartphones) from the 125% tariff but retained 20% baseline + 50% semiconductor duty (Biden-era)

China: Imposed export curbs, sanctions on US firms, and called US tariffs “unilateral bullying”

Supply Chain Pressures:

De minimis exemption ended: US to impose 30% duty + $25–$50/item fee on Chinese parcels from May 2, targeting Temu/Shein.

Tech Restrictions: US blocked Chinese investment in tech, healthcare, and farmland

Negotiations:

Stalled Talks: Trump expects a deal “in 3–4 weeks,” but China refuses to negotiate under “coercion”.

Economic Impact: Analysts warn of global inflation and disruptions, particularly in China’s export hubs like Yiwu (“Christmas Town”)

Outlook: Tensions risk spiraling into broader decoupling, with AI, semiconductors, and green tech emerging as new battlegrounds