In response to President Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs on Chinese imports, China has announced a fresh round of countermeasures, placing tariffs of up to 15% on key U.S. exports, including coal, liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large-engine cars.
The retaliatory tariffs, set to take effect next Monday, mark a sharp escalation in the U.S.-China trade standoff.
The State Council Tariff Commission of China issued a statement condemning the U.S.’s actions, calling them a “serious violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.”
READ: Trump Pauses Canada Tariffs Amid Diplomatic Negotiations
“The U.S.’s unilateral tariff increase seriously violates the rules of the World Trade Organization. It is not only unhelpful in solving its own problems, but also damages normal economic and trade cooperation between China and the U.S.,” the commission said.
Breakdown of China’s Tariffs on U.S. Goods
- 15% tariff on coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG)
- 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large-engine vehicles
While these tariffs target U.S. energy and manufacturing sectors, their overall impact may be limited due to China’s relatively low reliance on American imports in these categories.
Despite being the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, the U.S. exports very little LNG to China. In 2023, only about 2.3% of total U.S. natural gas exports—or 173,247 million cubic feet—were shipped to China, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Similarly, China’s demand for American cars is relatively low. The country imported just 700,000 vehicles overall last year, with most coming from Europe and Japan rather than the U.S..
Bill Russo, founder of the Automobility Limited consultancy in Shanghai, told the AP that the tariffs on American-made vehicles are unlikely to significantly impact China’s auto market.
READ: Democrats’ Tariff Fear-Mongering Falls Flat As Mexico And Canada Cave To Trump Demands
In a major escalation, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced a new antitrust investigation into Google on Tuesday, just minutes after Trump’s 10% tariffs on Chinese imports went into effect.
The announcement did not explicitly mention the tariffs, but the timing suggests a possible retaliatory move against the U.S. tech giant.
It is unclear how the probe will affect Google’s operations in China, where the company has long struggled to establish a foothold due to strict regulations. Google does not offer its search engine in China, but it licenses the Android operating system to Chinese smartphone makers.
Industry experts say Chinese smartphone manufacturers have repeatedly complained about Google’s business practices, particularly regarding restrictions on third-party app stores and pre-installed services on Android devices. The probe could lead to regulatory actions that disrupt Google’s business relationships with major Chinese manufacturers like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Oppo.
READ: Tulsi Gabbard Gains Momentum For DNI Ahead Of Key Senate Intel Committee Vote
China’s retaliatory measures come days after President Trump imposed a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports,
With China now targeting both U.S. exports and a major American tech company, tensions between the two economic superpowers appear to be escalating beyond traditional trade disputes. While diplomatic channels remain open, Beijing’s latest actions suggest a more aggressive stance in the ongoing trade war.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.