In the intensifying global trade war, President Donald Trump upped the ante against China on Wednesday by raising import tariffs to a staggering 125%. The move came shortly after Beijing retaliated by slapping a hefty 84% levy on American goods.

"To stress the utter absence of respect that China demonstrates to the world's markets, I am officially elevating the tariff imposed by the United States on China to a gargantuan 125%, taking effect immediately," Trump stated on Truth Social. His aspiration echoed in the words, "At a certain point, hopefully soon, China will comprehend that the era of fleecing the U.S.A. and other countries is no longer viable or tolerable."

China responded almost promptly to Trump's tariffs by escalating its own tariffs on U.S. goods to 84%. "The US's continuous elevation of tariffs on China adds insult to injury, gravely impinging on China's rightful interests and severely compromising the multilateral trading system based on rules," lamented China's Ministry of Finance.

The "Liberation Day" duties, commanded by Trump, came into action just as the clock stuck midnight on Wednesday, enforced a total tariff rate of 104% against China. The Chinese Government announced that their tariff raise plans will roll out a minute post midnight on Thursday.

Previously, Beijing had retorted to Trump's reciprocal 34% tariffs by matching those late last week and sworn on Tuesday to "battle till the end," if the White House continues with their levies.

The narrative was updated after President Trump’s post on Truth Social was published.