China Imposes Tariffs on U.S. Goods in Response to Trump’s Trade Hikes

China Imposes Tariffs on U.S. Goods in Response to Trump’s Trade Hikes

China: China has imposed a 34 percent tariff on all U.S. imports starting 10 April, mirroring the same rate introduced earlier in the week by the United States on Chinese goods. The move is part of an escalating trade dispute following U.S. President Donald Trump's recent tariff hikes affecting multiple countries. China’s response includes additional export controls on rare earth elements used in high-tech and defence applications, import suspensions on poultry from two U.S. suppliers, and the inclusion of 27 companies on trade sanction and export control lists. Beijing has also filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization, labelling the U.S. actions as unilateral and destabilising to the global economic order. Countries such as Taiwan, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, and those in the European Union have taken varied approaches, ranging from planned negotiations to preparing domestic industry support measures.

India, affected by a 26 percent U.S. tariff rate, has stated it is examining opportunities arising from the changing trade landscape and is engaged in discussions on deeper trade cooperation with the U.S., its largest trading partner in 2024 with bilateral trade reaching an estimated 129 billion USD. While key exports like pharmaceuticals remain exempt, sectors such as gems and jewellery are subject to higher duties. Across the Asia-Pacific and Europe, leaders including those from Japan, the EU, and Italy have called for dialogue, with some criticising the U.S. administration's reliance on tariffs. Chinese and European officials have suggested a shift towards strengthening trade ties with other regions, including Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, in response to the evolving trade environment. 

Source: Associated Press