China Imposes 50% Additional Tariffs on All U.S. Goods: SCTC and GACC Issue Announcements and Guidance on Retaliatory Measures and Customs Procedures for Bonded Trade

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The imposition of additional 50% tariffs on all U.S. goods marks a significant escalation in China–U.S. trade tensions, with far-reaching implications for global trade dynamics. In the near future, businesses engaged in cross-border trade between the two nations may face increased costs, disrupted supply chains, and growing regulatory complexities. Key sectors such as agriculture, technology, and manufacturing are likely to feel the impact most acutely. Multinational companies may begin to shift sourcing and production strategies to mitigate risk. Additionally, global markets may experience volatility as both nations weigh further retaliatory actions. While these measures serve strategic and political purposes, they also increase pressure for renewed dialogue or potential negotiations. The outlook suggests a prolonged period of uncertainty, with the potential for either further escalation or eventual compromise depending on diplomatic developments and domestic economic pressures in both countries.

Introduction

On April 9, 2025, China took a decisive step in the ongoing trade tensions with the United States by announcing sweeping retaliatory tariffs on all U.S. goods. This significant policy shift was outlined in the Ministry of Finance State Council Tariff Commission (SCTC) 2025 Announcement No. 5. According to the statement, China will impose an additional 50 percent tariff on top of the existing applicable tariffs for all U.S. imports. This decision is part of China’s broader response to recent U.S. trade measures and reflects the intensifying tit-for-tat escalation between the two largest economies in the world.

The additional tariffs outlined in Announcement No. 5 build upon earlier measures announced just days prior, on April 4, in SCTC Announcement No. 4. The April 9 update reaffirms China’s intention to respond proportionately to U.S. trade actions, and it signals that the scope of these tariffs will encompass the full range of goods originating from the United States—covering sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.

To complement the tariff announcement, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) also issued Announcement No. 58 on the same day, offering procedural guidance for customs officers and importers. This guidance focuses particularly on bonded trade—a type of trade that allows certain goods to be brought into China without paying tariffs until they are formally imported. The GACC announcement details how affected goods should be declared, how the additional tariffs are to be calculated, and what documentation will be required for compliance.

The report provides an unofficial English translation of both the SCTC and GACC announcements. It also includes the original Chinese text, giving stakeholders in international trade, legal experts, and policy analysts the ability to examine the source material. Moreover, it features a reference table listing current tariffs and the newly applied retaliatory tariffs, particularly focusing on sensitive sectors such as U.S. agricultural, fishery, and forestry products—areas where the impact of tariffs is expected to be especially significant.

This move comes at a time when the global economic environment remains fragile, and the potential ripple effects from such all-encompassing tariffs could be far-reaching. China’s approach appears calibrated to maximize pressure while still operating within the framework of international trade norms. The clear procedural guidance from GACC suggests that Chinese authorities aim to implement the new tariffs efficiently and with minimal administrative confusion.

The announcement has sparked concern among global investors, international businesses, and trade organizations. For U.S. exporters, the 50 percent additional tariff creates a serious barrier to market access in China. For Chinese importers and consumers, it may lead to higher prices or supply chain disruptions, particularly in sectors heavily dependent on U.S. imports.

This introduction aims to set the stage for the detailed content that follows in the article—covering the policy rationale, legal basis, and practical implications of China’s latest trade measures. The document serves as both a policy update and a practical guide for navigating the new regulatory landscape shaped by these tariffs.