China announced multiple countermeasures on Tuesday against the US government’s recent decision to impose an additional 10 percent tariff on all Chinese exports to the US citing fentanyl concerns.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce also stated that China has formally filed a case under the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement mechanism against the latest US tariff hike, which follows the earlier 10 percent tariff announced on Feb 1.
China targets US entities with export controls & tariff hike
China has placed 15 US entities, including Leidos, on its export control list. These entities are now prohibited from receiving dual-use items from China, and any ongoing exports must be halted immediately. Special cases requiring exports must first obtain approval from the Ministry of Commerce.
Additionally, ten US companies, including TCOM, have been added to China’s “unreliable entity list.” These companies are now banned from engaging in import and export activities related to China and from making new investments in the country.
Effective February 4, 2025, the US company Illumina Inc. has also been added to the unreliable entity list, with restrictions prohibiting its export of gene sequencing devices to China.
Starting March 10, 2025, China will also impose additional tariffs on a range of imports from the US, the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council said on Tuesday. A 15 percent tariff will be applied to chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton, while sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products will face a ten percent tariff.
The additional tariffs apply on top of existing duties, but current bonded, duty-free policies remain unchanged. Shipments that depart before March 10 and arrive in China between March 10 and April 12 will be exempt from the additional tariffs.
Foreign Ministry responds to US actions, accuses Washington of misplaced blame
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian also addressed the issue during a press briefing on Tuesday. Lin affirmed that the tariff increases were a legitimate response to protect China’s interests. He stressed that the root cause of the fentanyl problem lies within the US, and noted China’s humanitarian efforts to help the US combat the crisis.
Lin criticized the US for shifting blame onto China, calling the tariff increase a form of pressure and extortion. He emphasized that such actions would not solve the US’s domestic issues and would severely damage cooperation between the two countries in the fight against drug trafficking.
“China does not fear coercion or bullying,” Lin stated. “If the US insists on escalating tensions through tariffs or other confrontational tactics, China will respond accordingly. We urge the US to abandon its bullying approach and return to dialogue and cooperation based on mutual respect.”
(Cover via VCG photo)