Egypt Daily News – China is imposing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports. Chinese customs authorities announced on Friday the imposition of retaliatory tariffs of 34% on U.S. imports, effective from April 10.
This move comes in response to the 34% tariffs on Chinese goods, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, as part of a broader set of tariffs on trade partners worldwide.
With this announcement, the total U.S. tariffs on imports from China rises to 54%, as the U.S. had previously imposed a 20% tariff. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated that the U.S. tariffs were based on unilateral, self-serving assessments and violated international trade rules.
Beijing also announced that it had filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the tariffs imposed by the United States on its exports.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce clarified in a statement: “China has filed a complaint under the dispute settlement mechanism of the World Trade Organization before this body.”
Chinese authorities also announced that they would immediately restrict the export of seven types of rare earth minerals, initiate an anti-dumping investigation into CT scan X-ray tubes from the United States and India, and halt the import of poultry products from two U.S. companies. Additionally, China added 11 U.S. defense companies to the “unreliable entities list” and imposed export restrictions on products from 16 other U.S. companies, according to Bloomberg.
Trump’s Actions Spark Trade Crisis
These measures from China come after President Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on global trade partners. The latest U.S. tariffs include imposing tariffs on nearly all Chinese products, reaching at least 54%, which could severely impact China’s exports to the United States.
Tensions between Washington and Beijing have worsened since Trump returned to the White House in January. Notably, the U.S. president has yet to speak with his Chinese counterpart, even though more than two months have passed since his inauguration. The two countries are also at an impasse over what is alleged to be China’s role in the flow of fentanyl into the U.S., an issue Trump used to justify his previous rounds of tariffs.
Imbalance of Tariffs Between China and the U.S.
Before Trump’s tariff announcement on Wednesday, the imbalance in the tariff balance between the U.S. and China was clear: U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods far exceeded those imposed by China on U.S. goods. According to an analysis by Bloomberg Economics, the average Chinese tariff on U.S. goods stood at 17.8%, compared to 32.8% imposed by the U.S. on Chinese goods.
Last year, China imported nearly $164 billion worth of U.S. goods, the lowest level in four years.
According to a statement from the State Council’s Tariff Commission, published on its website, additional tariffs of 15% will be imposed on poultry, wheat, corn, and cotton imports from the U.S.
Additionally, a 10% tariff will be levied on white corn (sorghum), soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
China Calls for Dialogue and Warns of Economic Impact
This statement follows the U.S. decision to impose an additional 10% tariff on products imported from China, effective March 4.
The Commission stated in its announcement, “The unilateral imposition of tariffs by the U.S. undermines the multilateral trading system, increases the burden on American companies and consumers, and undermines the foundation of economic and trade cooperation between China and the U.S.”
It “urged the U.S. to immediately cancel these unilateral tariff measures and resolve trade disputes through consultation and dialogue, based on equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit.”
Chinese Clarifications on Tariff Implementation Mechanism
The Tariff Commission clarified that starting from 12:01 PM Beijing time on April 10, 2025, an additional 34% tariff will be imposed on all goods imported from the U.S. of American origin.
Goods that were shipped from the country of origin before 12:01 PM on April 10, 2025, and are imported (i.e., en route to China) between 12:01 PM on April 10 and 12:00 AM on May 13, 2025, will not be subject to these additional tariffs.
The Commission emphasized that current policies concerning goods exempt from tariffs or subject to special customs regulations (such as free trade zones and reduced tariffs) will remain unchanged, and these additional tariffs will not be eligible for any reduction or exemption.
