WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House on Tuesday issued a stern warning to countries responding with retaliatory tariffs, making it clear that President Donald Trump will not waver in his trade policies.
Speaking at a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed the administration’s hardline stance amid rising tensions, particularly with China. The statement followed China’s refusal to reverse its 34% retaliatory tariffs after the U.S. imposed similar measures last week.
In a significant escalation, the United States will begin enforcing an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports starting Wednesday morning, piling on top of the existing 20% and 34% tariffs.
“The president’s message has been simple and consistent from the beginning: bring us your best offers and he will listen,” Leavitt said, underscoring the administration’s preference for negotiation — but only on terms that benefit American workers and reduce the nation’s trade deficits.
“Countries like China, who have chosen to retaliate and double down on their mistreatment of American workers, are making a mistake,” she warned. “President Trump has a spine of steel and he will not break, and America will not break under his leadership.”
Leavitt emphasized the administration’s commitment to strengthening domestic production, saying the president is driven by a vision where the United States manufactures essential goods and exports them globally.
The latest tariff hike signals a deepening of the U.S.-China trade war, with both sides digging in for what could become a prolonged economic standoff.
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