Just 48 hours after former U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled sweeping new tariffs on countries around the world, including a staggering 34% tariff on all Chinese imports, Beijing struck back with matching measures on American goods and companies. China’s Commerce Ministry didn’t mince words, calling the move “a mistake upon a mistake” and warning that “China will fight to the end” if provoked further.

“The U.S. threat once again exposes its blackmailing nature. China will never accept it,” the ministry said in a strongly worded statement.

Rather than scrambling to strike deals like many U.S. allies caught in the tariff crossfire, China is standing firm, presenting itself as a calm and confident counterbalance to what it calls “unilateral bullying” by the U.S.

The official line from Beijing? China’s economy can take the hit—and might even come out stronger.

“US tariffs will have an impact, but the sky won’t fall,” read a commentary in the state-run People’s Daily, China’s Communist Party mouthpiece.

“The more pressure we get, the stronger we become.”

Beijing’s narrative is one of resilience and defiance, backed by what it calls the “institutional advantages” of its political system. The leadership is betting that it can weather the storm—and perhaps even emerge as a new anchor in a shifting global trade landscape.

Trump’s latest tariff salvo threatens to bring total U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods to over 54%. In response, China rolled out its own 34% tariffs and announced restrictions on key U.S. exports like rare earth minerals—critical components in electronics and defense tech.

Not stopping there, Trump doubled down, warning that unless China drops its retaliatory tariffs, the U.S. will impose an additional 50% duty midweek. He also canceled previously requested trade talks with Chinese officials.

This high-stakes game of economic chicken is fueling concerns that the world’s two largest economies are locked in a spiral with no off-ramp in sight.

“No high-level diplomacy means no safety valve,” said Craig Singleton, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
“The longer this drags on, the harder it becomes for either side to de-escalate without losing face.”

As Trump’s tariff agenda sweeps across allies and rivals alike, Beijing is trying to reshape its image—from authoritarian powerhouse to defender of open markets.

“China will only continue to open its doors wider,” the Foreign Ministry said Saturday, adding that it remains committed to globalization “regardless of the changing international landscape.”

Chinese officials have been busy wooing American businesses. Vice Commerce Minister Ling Ji recently hosted a meeting with U.S.-funded companies like Tesla and GE HealthCare, pitching China as a “safe, promising place for investment.”

The message? If the U.S. wants a trade war, China’s not afraid. And for countries weary of rising protectionism, China is ready to be a steady partner.

Economists and scholars inside China say this trade war isn’t just about money—it’s about shaping the future of global trade.

“China and the U.S. are now direct rivals in reshaping the international trade order,” said Professor Ju Jiandong from Tsinghua University.
“We’re ready to compete.”

But skepticism lingers. Beijing has long used its massive market as leverage, and some countries remain wary of becoming too dependent on Chinese exports. Still, with U.S. tariffs slamming allies like Japan, South Korea, and the EU, many nations may be forced to look eastward for economic stability.

Even in cautious Singapore, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong didn’t sugarcoat it:

“The era of rules-based globalization is over. We’re entering a new phase—more arbitrary, protectionist, and dangerous.”

Despite its confident front, China isn’t immune to the fallout. After years of grappling with a real estate crisis, high local government debt, and post-COVID economic sluggishness, the trade war adds fresh pressure.

To counter the export drag, China has rolled out new policies to boost domestic consumption, with state media promising “extraordinary efforts” to keep the economy growing.

Unlike Western governments, China’s leadership doesn’t face voter backlash. But economic stability remains crucial to maintaining public trust and political legitimacy.

With both Washington and Beijing locked into their positions, the tariff battle shows no signs of easing. And with each new escalation, the global economy inches closer to a new—and far more uncertain—trade era.

How far will it go? That remains the trillion-dollar question.

Source: CNN – China calls Trump’s new tariff threat ‘a mistake upon a mistake’ and looks for opportunity in global trade war

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Egg prices have skyrocketed, and with no relief in sight, consumers can expect to pay even more in the coming months, especially as Easter approaches and demand surges.

As of December, the average price for a dozen eggs reached $4.15 nationwide. While this is slightly lower than the record-high price of $4.82 set in 2022, experts predict that prices will rise another 20% this year. For some shoppers, the situation is even worse: prices are already more than double the national average, and many grocery stores are facing empty shelves. Organic and cage-free eggs are particularly expensive, and some stores have even implemented purchase limits.

A Staple Food Becoming a Luxury

Minneapolis resident Sage Mills shared her frustration: “It’s just robbery. Eggs used to be a staple food for us, but now you might as well just go out to eat.”

But what’s behind the surge in prices?

The Bird Flu Crisis

The ongoing bird flu outbreak that began in 2022 is the primary culprit behind the soaring egg prices. The flu spreads rapidly, and when detected on a poultry farm, the entire flock is slaughtered to prevent further contamination. With some massive egg farms housing over a million chickens, even a few cases of bird flu can lead to a severe supply shortage.

The process of dealing with outbreaks—disposing of infected birds, disinfecting barns, and bringing in new flocks—can take months. Since the outbreak began, over 145 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds have been slaughtered, most of them egg-laying hens.

In addition, the passage of cage-free egg laws in 10 states has disrupted supply chains further. These laws mandate that chickens have a minimum amount of space or be cage-free. In states like California, Massachusetts, and Michigan, the transition to cage-free eggs has pushed prices even higher. For example, at a Target in Chicago, a dozen conventional eggs was priced at $4.49, while cage-free eggs were selling for $6.19.

Why Is the Virus So Difficult to Control?

Bird flu is primarily spread by wild birds, such as ducks and geese, which carry the virus without getting sick. This allows the virus to mutate and thrive as wild birds migrate. The flu spreads easily through bird droppings or any interaction between farm-raised poultry and wild birds. It can even be brought into farms on workers’ boots or vehicles.

Unlike previous outbreaks, this one hasn’t been quelled by summer heat, as the virus found a new host in dairy cattle last March. While cattle don’t die from bird flu, their sicknesses provide more opportunities for the virus to spread. Additionally, more than 60 people have contracted bird flu since last March, with one death, though no evidence suggests it spreads from person to person.

Efforts to Combat the Virus

Farmers are taking extensive precautions to protect their flocks. Many have installed truck washes to disinfect vehicles entering the farm and require workers to shower and change clothes before entering poultry barns. Some farms even use lasers to keep wild birds away.

Additionally, dairy farmers are isolating sick cattle and performing extra testing to prevent further outbreaks. Despite these efforts, vaccination for poultry remains impractical, as it would require vaccinating millions of chickens, and many countries may refuse to buy meat from vaccinated birds.

While no bird flu-infected animals are allowed in the food supply, experts assure the public that cooking meat to 165°F (74°C) kills the virus, and pasteurization kills it in milk.

The Financial Toll

The financial toll of the bird flu outbreak has been staggering. While it’s hard to estimate how much individual farmers have spent on biosecurity measures—like sealing barns and building shower houses—the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has spent over $1.14 billion compensating farmers for lost birds. The USDA also allocated more than $576 million for its own response efforts.

The bird flu has also affected the prices of turkey, chicken, and milk, leading to further pressure on grocery bills.

At a Minneapolis supermarket, manager Mike Vickers expressed the difficulty in managing egg prices: “It’s the first time in my life that I’ve ever had to be kind of embarrassed about what I’m selling eggs for.” Despite paying $7.45 per dozen, the store is only making 14 cents on each dozen sold.

The Bottom Line

Egg prices are not likely to return to normal anytime soon. The ongoing bird flu outbreak, coupled with state laws on cage-free eggs, continues to put pressure on the supply chain. With no immediate end in sight to the crisis, shoppers will likely face higher prices, limited availability, and frustration at the grocery store for the foreseeable future.

Source

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