China Slams Fresh Us Tariff Hike, Calls For ‘equal Talks’ To Solve Dispute

Beijing expressed strong opposition to Washington’s latest tariff hike on Chinese products on Tuesday, and vowed to take “all necessary countermeasures” to defend its interests.

“We urge the United States to immediately withdraw the unreasonable unilateral tariffs,” a Ministry of Commerce spokesman said in an online statement.

“We should return to a path towards equal talks to resolve differences.”

Last week, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose additional 10 per cent tariffs on Chinese exports, on top of the extra 10 per cent levy introduced last month, while accusing to curb the flow of fentanyl into the US.

The new US tariffs are due to take effect on Tuesday. The tariff plan also includes a 25 per cent levy on all imports from Mexico and Canada.

So far, there have been no indications of bilateral talks between Beijing and Washington regarding the tariffs.

Beijing has yet to specify what retaliatory measures it would take if the US goes ahead with raising tariffs on Tuesday, but the Ministry of Commerce warned it was willing to take “all necessary countermeasures” to defend China’s legitimate rights and interests.

The Ministry of Commerce also called for dialogue to resolve the latest fentanyl-related tariffs, and accused Washington of ignoring “objective facts” in relation to the dispute.

“China enforces one of the world’s strictest anti-drug policies and actively collaborates with countries, including the US, on international narcotics control,” the Ministry said.

“The tariffs are purely ‘shirking responsibility’ and will do little to resolve the US’ own issues, but will instead add to the burdens of American businesses and consumers and disrupt the stability of the global industrial chain,” it added.

In early February, when the US introduced its first round of tariffs, setting a 10 per cent levy on all Chinese imports, China responded with a broad package of retaliatory measures, imposing punitive tariffs of 10 to 15 per cent on various US imports, including coal, crude oil, and agricultural machinery.

It also added five more minerals to its export restriction list and included two American firms – biotech company Illumina and fashion retailer PVH Group – on a government blacklist. The measures took effect last month.

China is the world’s biggest buyer of US agricultural products, primarily importing soybeans, beef and corn. Last year, it imported US$27.53 billion worth of US agricultural goods, a 16.3 per cent decline from the previous year.

The US, meanwhile, was China’s second-largest supplier of agricultural imports last year, holding a 12.8 per cent share, according to data from the China Chamber of Commerce of Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce & Animal By-Products. Brazil remained China’s largest agricultural imports supplier.