In response to the U.S. government’s decision to impose a 10% tariff on all Chinese exports, China has announced new retaliatory tariffs on various U.S. goods. Starting February 10, China will impose a 15% tariff on coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a 10% tariff on crude oil, among other items.
China’s Ministry of Finance issued a statement outlining that the new tariffs will be implemented in accordance with Chinese law and international trade principles. The ministry criticized the U.S.’s move, stating that the U.S.’s unilateral tariffs, announced on February 1, 2025, are a violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. The statement also highlighted that such actions do not help solve U.S. domestic issues and harm the normal economic and trade relations between the two countries.
The ministry said, “The U.S.’s unilateral imposition of tariffs seriously violates the rules of the WTO. It not only fails to address its own issues but also disrupts the economic and trade cooperation between China and the U.S.”
Starting February 10, 2025, China will impose a 15% tariff on coal and LNG, and a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, large-displacement cars, and pickup trucks imported from the U.S. The Finance Ministry added that tariffs will be levied on these goods in addition to the current applicable tariff rates, with no reduction or exemption for the new tariffs.
China’s decision follows the U.S.’s announcement to impose tariffs on Chinese goods due to concerns about illegal immigration and drug trafficking, including fentanyl. The tariffs, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, sparked backlash from China, with the country denouncing the move as a violation of international trade rules.
On February 2, China’s Commerce and Finance ministries condemned the U.S. decision, pledging to challenge it at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and consider unspecified “countermeasures.” The Ministry of Commerce called for “frank dialogue” and strengthened cooperation between the two nations to resolve the dispute.