Markets Rattle as Trump Threatens 100% Duties on Chinese Imports

Global financial markets kicked off the week in a state of unease following a dramatic announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump late Friday: a sweeping 100% tariff on all Chinese imports to the United States, set to take effect November 1, 2025—or sooner, depending on Beijing’s next moves.

Investor sentiment remains fragile, especially with no major economic data scheduled for release on Monday. This vacuum leaves room for political tensions to dominate market direction, particularly as the U.S. grapples with its fourth-longest government shutdown in history.

In a post on the “Truth Social” platform, Trump accused China of adopting an “unprecedentedly aggressive” stance in trade negotiations. He claimed Beijing had informed its trade partners of plans to impose broad restrictions on its exports, covering nearly all manufactured goods.

“In response to this extraordinary posture from China,” Trump wrote, “and solely on behalf of the United States—not other nations facing similar threats—we will begin imposing 100% tariffs on Chinese goods starting November 1, or earlier if China escalates.”

The announcement has sparked fears of retaliatory measures from China, potentially targeting American companies or introducing counter-tariffs. Analysts warn that such a trade escalation could disrupt global supply chains and trigger volatility across currency and equity markets.

With geopolitical tensions rising and economic uncertainty looming, traders are bracing for a turbulent week. The message is clear: the trade war is far from over, and the next chapter may be the most intense yet.