Trump threatens China with 50% tariff if it helps Iran
President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will impose a 50% tariff on Chinese goods if
Beijing provides military assistance or weapons to Iran.
Trump made the threat on Sunday, April 12, 2026, during an interview on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning
Futures with Maria Bartiromo.” He said: “If we catch them doing that, they get a 50 percent tariff, which
is a staggering — that’s a staggering amount.”
The warning builds on an earlier statement Trump made on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, via Truth Social,
in which he announced that any country supplying military weapons to Iran would face immediate 50%
tariffs on “any and all goods sold to the United States of America,” with “no exclusions or exemptions.”
Although Trump did not name specific countries in his initial post, analysts and media reports widely
interpreted it as a direct message to China and Russia, the two nations most frequently accused of
helping Iran strengthen its military capabilities through missiles, air-defence systems, dual-use
technology, and other support.
The renewed threat on April 12 came amid fragile ceasefire negotiations between the US and Iran,
following more than five weeks of US and Israeli military strikes on Iranian targets that began in late
February 2026.
A two-week ceasefire was agreed earlier in the week, but tensions remain high over issues including
Iran’s nuclear programme, regional proxies, and oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump has repeatedly accused Iran of violating ceasefire terms and has used economic pressure,
including tariffs, as a tool to prevent Tehran from rebuilding its military arsenal.
China has been scrutinised for reportedly supplying components and technology that could aid Iran’s
defence industry.
Legal experts have noted that the scope and immediacy of such broad tariffs raise questions about the
president’s authority under existing US trade laws, though Trump has previously used similar executive
powers in trade disputes.
The development adds further strain to US-China relations at a time when both sides had been
discussing a possible summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
