White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt cautioned China against further retaliation to increased US tariffs, warning of potential negative consequences for Beijing.
Amid escalating trade tensions, the White House advised China that further tariff increases would be detrimental to its own interests.
Caroline Leavitt highlighted the numerous countries that have contacted the Trump administration to begin trade discussions, asserting this demonstrates the effectiveness of Washington’s tariff policies.
“The phones have been ringing off the hook to make deals,” she stated during a White House press briefing. “These countries wisely heeded President Trump’s warning not to retaliate… and were rewarded with a 90-day pause and substantially lower reciprocal tariff rates,” she added.
In early April, President Trump implemented a blanket 10% tariff on all imports, along with higher “reciprocal” tariffs on specific nations, with the aim of bolstering domestic manufacturing and addressing trade imbalances. While most of these tariffs were temporarily suspended for 90 days, China was excluded. The total tariff on Chinese goods has risen to 145%. China responded by imposing a 125% tariff on US imports, denouncing Washington’s actions as “economic bullying” and suggesting further escalations would make the US a “joke” in global economic history.
When specifically questioned about China, Leavitt reaffirmed the existing tariff rate. “The tariff rate on China remains where it was yesterday at the 145 percent level,” she confirmed.
China has hinted that its recent tariff increase might be its last, suggesting that further increases would not be economically viable.
Asked if this indicated China was conceding, Leavitt emphasized President Trump’s firm stance: “when the United States is punched, he will punch back harder.”
Leavitt stated the administration remains open to negotiations and that President Trump would “be gracious if China intends to make a deal with the United States,” but added, “If China continues to retaliate, it’s not good for China.”
She also dismissed criticism that the US administration’s tariffs on China were insufficient, asserting that “Trump is finally taking bold and courageous action.” She also mentioned that while both Democrats and Republicans have addressed China, “no other president had the courage, the work ethic, or the stamina to take on such a task.”
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