- Trump warned China to drop its new 34% tariffs or face a 50% hike from the U.S. starting April 9.
- Markets dipped and Bitcoin slid over $1,000 after Trump’s tariff threat and fiery Truth Social post.
- Trump claimed the economy is strong and tariffs are working, dismissing concerns about inflation.
President Donald Trump isn’t backing down in his escalating trade fight with China. On Sunday, he took to Truth Social with a blunt warning: if Beijing doesn’t roll back its newly announced 34% retaliatory tariffs by April 8, the U.S. will slap on an even heavier 50% tariff starting the next day.
Trump called China’s move part of a “long pattern of abuse,” blaming them for non-monetary trade barriers, illegal subsidies, and good ol’ fashioned currency manipulation. And if China doesn’t back down? Talks are off the table. Negotiations with other countries, he said, would move ahead immediately.
Trump’s Truth Social Ultimatum
In a fiery post, Trump didn’t mince words. “China issued Retaliatory Tariffs of 34%… despite my warning,” he wrote, before laying down the deadline and threat. “If China does not withdraw… the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs… effective April 9th.”
He said the U.S. would end talks with China completely, shifting attention to other nations interested in meeting. “Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he concluded, with his signature flair.
Markets React—And Not in a Good Way
The markets didn’t take the news well. Bitcoin shed $1,000 within the hour of Trump’s post, falling to around $78,000. The drop capped off a 6% daily slide from its Sunday highs.
U.S. stock futures also dipped, and investors began bracing for yet another volatile week as the April 9 deadline looms.
Inflation? Trump Says “Nope”
Trump, meanwhile, argued the economy is doing just fine. In a separate X post, he said inflation’s not a concern, pointing to lower oil, food, and interest rates. He claimed tariffs are bringing in “Billions” weekly and insisted prior administrations let China take advantage for far too long.
Markets Brace for More Uncertainty
With tensions rising and Beijing’s response still uncertain, traders are now trying to figure out if this standoff will turn into a full-blown economic drag. A 50% tariff, layered on top of existing ones, would be a massive escalation—and the clock’s ticking.
