4 Feb: Beijing responded on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, announcing countermeasures that include a 15% tariff on US liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal, along with a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural equipment, and certain automobiles.
In addition to these tariffs, China introduced new export controls on rare metals essential for high-tech industries and launched an anti-monopoly investigation into Google and other US companies.
China’s countermeasures will take effect on February 10, giving both sides a brief window for negotiations. Trump is expected to discuss the matter with Chinese President Xi Jinping in an effort to prevent further trade escalation.
This development follows Trump’s temporary suspension of increased tariffs on Canada and Mexico for 30 days after securing commitments from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to enhance US border security.
Despite Washington imposing broad tariffs on Chinese goods, China’s response has been more measured, targeting specific imports rather than implementing sweeping levies.
Additionally, China has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO), arguing that the US tariffs violate international trade rules and undermine global economic cooperation.
“The US’s unilateral tariff measures seriously violate WTO regulations,” China’s finance ministry stated, emphasizing that such actions fail to address economic issues and instead harm global trade relations.
Meanwhile, Trump maintained his stance, stating that US trading partners are keen to avoid tariffs and that “in all cases, they all want to make deals.”
