White House confirms 104% tariff on China

She clarified that the new tariffs on China will take effect starting Wednesday, April 9, local time.

"It was a mistake for China to retaliate. The President, when America is punched, he punches back harder. That’s why there will be 104 percent tariffs going into effect on China tonight at midnight," Leavitt said.

However, according to her, Trump believes that China wants and should reach an agreement with the United States regarding trade tariffs.

"The President believes that Xi and China want to make a deal. They just don’t know how to get that started. If China reaches out to make a deal, he will be incredibly gracious," the White House press secretary added.

It was reported today that the United States has increased the import tariff on Chinese goods to 104%. The tariffs will take effect because China has not removed its retaliation as required by the US.

Trump's trade war

Last week, the US imposed tariffs on a range of imports from most countries, with rates varying from 10% to 50%. They negatively impacted global stock exchanges, causing a sharp decline in market indices.

Specifically, the US imposed a 34% tariff on imports from China. In response, Beijing announced it would impose a similar 34% tariff on American imports.

Trump did not stop there and raised tariffs on Chinese imports from 34% to 50%. The Chinese Embassy in the US stated that pressure or threats against China are the wrong way of engaging.

China criticized the new tariffs for causing a global market downturn and urged the US to engage in consultations.

Today, China vowed to "fight to the end" if President Donald Trump follows through with the threat to raise tariffs to 50%.