President Donald Trump said the United States will impose a 50% tariff on imports from China, framing the move as a response to national security concerns tied to Beijing’s growing technological and military reach. He said the new duties would take effect immediately.

The announcement marks a sharp escalation in U.S.-China economic tensions and adds to a long-running dispute over trade, industrial policy, and strategic competition. Trump has argued that China’s rise has come at the expense of American interests and that tougher trade measures are needed to protect U.S. security.

The tariff decision is likely to raise costs for importers and could ripple through supply chains already strained by years of tariff battles and geopolitical friction. Businesses that rely on Chinese-made goods may face higher prices, while markets will be watching for any retaliation from Beijing.

Reuters reported the move as part of a broader effort by Trump to counter China’s advances in sensitive sectors. The policy shift underscores how trade, technology, and defense have become increasingly intertwined in the rivalry between Washington and Beijing.