Trump’s 125% Tariffs on China: Market & Global Reactions
🇺🇸 US-China Tensions Escalate Over New Tariffs
Amid rising trade tensions, former US President Donald Trump has raised tariffs on Chinese goods to a steep 125%. In response, China’s foreign ministry emphasized that it doesn’t seek confrontation but will not tolerate the erosion of its people’s rights. Spokesperson Lin Jian criticized Washington’s approach, stating that such moves lack public support and are bound to fail.
While Trump announced a temporary 90-day suspension of tariffs for several countries, China was notably excluded. Instead, Chinese imports will face the highest hike under the new policy.
🇨🇳 China Hits Back With Retaliatory Measures
In a swift counter, Beijing declared its own set of tariffs—an 84% levy on selected US goods. Labeling the US strategy as “tax coercion,” China made it clear that it would not yield to what it sees as economic pressure. The tit-for-tat tariffs mark a new chapter in the ongoing trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies.
📈 Stock Markets Rebound Amid Tariff Drama
Despite the escalating rhetoric, global markets rallied following Trump’s temporary tariff pause for countries other than China. On Thursday, major Asian indices posted strong gains:
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Nikkei 225 (Japan): +8%
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Kospi (South Korea): +5%
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ASX 200 (Australia): +5%
US stock indices also surged during Wednesday’s trading session (April 9):
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Dow Jones jumped nearly 7.9%
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Nasdaq gained over 12%
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S&P 500 climbed about 9.5%
Investors welcomed the pause, despite concerns that ongoing instability may continue to cause volatile swings in global financial markets.
Trump imposes 125% tariffs on China; Beijing hits back with 84%. Markets rally, and Apple airlifts iPhones from India to dodge tariff hikes.
📦 Apple Rushes iPhones From India to Beat Tariffs
In an attempt to stay ahead of the new tariffs, Apple reportedly arranged emergency cargo flights from India to the US, transporting around 600 tons—or roughly 1.5 million iPhones. With iPhone manufacturing heavily reliant on China, the Cupertino-based company accelerated shipments from its Indian facilities to avoid the 125% duties.
According to insiders, Apple negotiated expedited customs clearance at Chennai Airport, reducing wait times from 30 hours to just six. This strategy mirrors similar operations the company runs in some Chinese airports.
Since March, six cargo jets, each capable of carrying 100 tons, have left India as part of this urgent effort. If subject to the 125% tariff, the retail price of Apple’s premium iPhone 16 Pro Max could spike from $1,599 to over $2,300, based on industry estimates.
India now accounts for nearly 20% of Apple’s US-bound iPhone exports, highlighting the company’s growing reliance on alternative manufacturing hubs amid geopolitical uncertainty.
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