Reuters
China on Friday announced a series of retaliatory measures in response to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, including an additional 34% tariff on all American goods and new restrictions on the export of certain rare earth elements—intensifying an already escalating trade war.
The Chinese Ministry of Finance stated that the new tariffs would take effect from April 10.
Earlier this week, Trump had declared that Chinese imports would be subject to a 34% tariff, on top of the 20% levy introduced earlier this year, raising the total tariff burden to 54%.
The agricultural sector also took a hit, as Chinese customs authorities immediately suspended imports of sorghum from U.S. grain exporter C&D (USA) Inc., as well as poultry and bonemeal from three other American firms.
In addition, Beijing announced export controls on medium and heavy rare earths—specifically samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium—destined for the U.S. These measures will come into effect on April 4.
According to Anadolu Agency, China’s statement described the U.S. tariffs as one-sided “bullying” that violate international trade norms and infringe upon China’s legitimate rights and interests.
“The purpose of the Chinese government’s implementation of export controls on relevant items, in accordance with the law, is to better safeguard national security and interests, and to fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation,” the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.
China also added 16 U.S. entities to its export control list, restricting the export of dual-use items to those firms. Furthermore, 11 American companies, including Skydio Inc. and BRINC Drones, were added to the “unreliable entities” list. These firms are accused of supplying arms to Taiwan, which China views as a breakaway province.
The Ministry of Commerce stated that these companies had seriously “undermined” China’s national sovereignty, security, and development interests. As a result, they are now banned from making new investments or engaging in import and export activities in China.
Finally, Beijing launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of certain medical CT tubes from both the U.S. and India, alongside a broader industry competitiveness review of the same products.
