Trump threatened additional 50% import tax on Chinese goods

President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese products starting April 9 and refused all trade talks if it didn’t withdraw its recent 34% tariff hike.

China called the move “blackmail” and vowed to “fight to the end.”

Meanwhile, Trump signaled openness to trade discussions with other countries. He said negotiations would begin immediately with nations that had requested meetings.

The European Union (EU) proposed 25% counter-tariffs on US goods like soybeans and nuts. However, the block said it offered zero-for-zero tariffs.