China

Announcement of the State Council Tariff Commission on Adjusting the 84% Tariff Measures on Imports from the United States

On April 8, 2025, the US government announced that it would increase the "reciprocal tariff" on Chinese goods exported to the US from 34% to 84%.  In accordance with the Tariff Law of the People's Republic of China, the Customs Law of the People's Republic of China, the Foreign Trade Law of the People's Republic of China and other laws and regulations and the basic principles of international law, and with the approval of the State Council, starting at 12:01 on April 10, 2025, the tariff increase measures on imported goods originating from the United States will be adjusted. The relevant matters are as follows: 

The additional tariff rate stipulated in the "Announcement of the Tariff Commission of the State Council on the Imposition of Additional Tariffs on Imported Goods Originating in the United States" (Tax Commission Announcement No. 4 of 2025) from 34% to 84%.

Source:  Office of the Tariff Commission of the State Council

United States

President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on most new tariffs, reducing the "reciprocal tariff" rate to 10% during this period

On April 9, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on most new tariffs, reducing the "reciprocal tariff" rate to 10% during this period.

However, he simultaneously increased tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%, citing China's lack of respect for global markets and its retaliatory measures against U.S. goods. That decision came after Beijing raised its levies on American goods to 84 percent on Wednesday (09 April 2024) afternoon in an escalating tit-for-tat between the world’s largest economies.

This decision came after appeals from over 75 countries and was intended to provide time for negotiations on trade barriers, currency manipulation, and other related issues. The announcement led to a significant rebound in the stock market, with major U.S. indexes experiencing substantial gains. 

Background: on April 2, 2025, President Trump announced to impose an individualized reciprocal higher tariff on the countries with which the United States has the largest trade deficits. Earlier the additional ad valorem duty was announced for the trading partners enumerated in Annex I.

Note: While various news outlets have reported on this development, there is no dedicated fact sheet available on the White House's official website at this time.

European Union

European Union approves new retaliatory tariffs on the U.S.

On April 09, 2025, EU Member States have voted in favour of the European Commission's proposal to introduce trade countermeasures against the United States. The Commission's proposal was made in response to the March decision by the US to impose tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium from the EU.  The EU considers US tariffs unjustified and damaging, causing economic harm to both sides, as well as the global economy. The EU has stated its clear preference to find negotiated outcomes with the US, which would be balanced and mutually beneficial.  Yesterday vote of approval by Member States means that – once the Commission's internal procedures are concluded, and the implementing act published – countermeasures will enter into force. 

EU vote came in response to an earlier set of U.S. measures announced by the Trump administration that slapped 25% tariffs on European steel and aluminum. The bloc said it was still working on its response to separate U.S. tariffs of 20% on European car imports.

The EU plans to introduce 25% tariffs on scores of goods from almonds to yachts, with the first duties being collected from 15 April, while the bulk apply from 15 May and the remainder from 1 December.

These countermeasures can be suspended at any time, should the US agree to a fair and balanced negotiated outcome.

Source: European Commission 

Need Support Assessing the Impact?

These evolving tariff measures may affect your supply chain, pricing, or compliance approach. If you are impacted by these developments or would like to explore what they could mean for your business, feel free to reach out. Our team is available to support you in reviewing your position and determining the right steps forward.