China Urges the U.S. to Immediately Lift Tariffs and Warns of Retaliation
On Thursday, China expressed strong opposition to the latest round of tariffs imposed by the United States, which sees an additional 34% levy on imports from the Asian giant. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Commerce stated that China calls on the U.S. to lift these unilateral tariff measures without delay and to address trade differences through dialogue.
The announcement highlights Beijing's readiness to implement countermeasures to protect its rights and interests, emphasizing that Washington has ignored the balances achieved over years of negotiations and has benefited from international trade.
China's statement criticizes the new tariffs as based on subjective and unilateral evaluations that do not align with international trade regulations, characterizing them as a typical practice of unilateral intimidation.
Since the Trump administration took office, the U.S. has introduced a series of additional tariffs on Chinese goods, initially imposing a 20% increase. The new 34% levy raises the total to 54%, compounded by specific tariffs imposed during both Trump's and Biden's administrations.
Furthermore, the recent decree included measures that close loopholes previously exploited for importing a significant volume of Chinese products into the U.S. Notably, goods valued under $800 were exempt from customs duties, a provision that benefited major Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Temu, Shein, and Alibaba. Starting May 2, these products will incur the full 54% tariff.
China warns that these new tariffs could jeopardize the global economy and disrupt production and supply chains. The spokesperson remarked that in trade wars, there are no true winners.
Guo Jiakun, a representative from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, also addressed the situation, calling on the U.S. to rectify its "mistakes" and pursue resolution through consultation. He noted that many other countries have voiced their opposition to the U.S.'s unilateral intimidation tactics.
This response from China follows a familiar pattern established during previous tariff escalations. Historically, the Chinese government has conveyed its rejection of such measures promptly but announced counteractions through less public means. The responses have tended to be restrained, interpreted as a willingness to engage in dialogue and negotiation.
In previous instances, China has responded with tariffs ranging from 10% to 15% on various American products, including agricultural, energy, and manufactured goods, totaling approximately $35 billion. This figure pales in comparison to the U.S. tariffs that cover all imports from China, which amount to around $440 billion.
Additionally, China has restricted exports to 15 American companies linked to defense and security, citing dual-use concerns. The government has added companies to its unreliable entity list, allowing for punitive measures. It has also initiated antitrust investigations against Google and imposed restrictions on exports of critical minerals, a sector in which China holds significant dominance.
Moreover, China has lodged complaints regarding both rounds of tariffs with the World Trade Organization (WTO).
