China has hit back at the U.S. over its recent tariff increase by slapping counter-duties on various American goods and opening a probe into tech giant Google, further intensifying trade tensions between the two global powers.
In response to Washington’s 10% import duty on Chinese goods, Beijing has announced tariffs of 15% on U.S. coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG), along with a 10% levy on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large-displacement vehicles, the Republic World reports.
China has hit back at the U.S. over its recent tariff increase by slapping counter-duties on various American goods and opening a probe into tech giant Google, further intensifying trade tensions between the two global powers.
— FOEJ Media (@FoejMedia) February 4, 2025
In response to Washington’s 10% import duty on… pic.twitter.com/hROKxbCFEX
China has accused the U.S. of breaching World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, calling the tariff hike a violation that disrupts bilateral trade. “The U.S.’s unilateral tariff increase seriously violates WTO regulations. It is not only ineffective in solving its own problems but also disrupts normal economic and trade cooperation between China and the U.S.,” the Chinese government stated.
With the new tariffs set to take effect soon, the trade dispute between the two economic giants continues to escalate.
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation announced on Tuesday that it is investigating Google for potential antitrust violations. While the statement did not directly reference tariffs, the timing—just minutes after the U.S. imposed a 10% duty on Chinese imports—suggests a strategic move amid escalating tensions.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s 10% tariff on Chinese goods takes effect Tuesday, with expectations of upcoming talks between him and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
A day after US President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico, Beijing warned of ‘countermeasures’ and hinted at challenging the decision at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). However, it also kept the door open for negotiations to avoid a full-scale trade war.
China’s finance and commerce ministries issued a statement last week also, condemning the 10% tariff imposed on Chinese imports.
“The unilateral tariff increase by the United States seriously violates the rules of the World Trade Organization. China will file a lawsuit with the WTO for the wrong practices of the United States and will take corresponding countermeasures to firmly safeguard its own rights and interests.,” the statement read.
