Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Feb. 6: China has announced a series of retaliatory measures, including new tariffs on American goods and an antitrust investigation into Google, following United States President Donald Trump’s decision to impose fresh tariffs on Chinese imports.
On Tuesday, President Trump introduced a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, citing national security concerns and linking the move to the influx of fentanyl into the US, which he partially attributes to China. The administration invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to justify the tariffs, framing them as a necessary step to curb the opioid crisis.
In response, China has slapped tariffs on key US exports, including 15% tariffs on American coal and liquefied natural gas and 10% tariffs on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and certain vehicles. These tariffs are set to take effect on Monday.
Additionally, Beijing has launched an antitrust probe into Google, alleging potential violations, and placed PVH Corp. and Illumina on its “unreliable entities” list, accusing them of discriminatory actions against Chinese firms. The Ministry of Commerce has also introduced export controls on strategic metals like tungsten and bismuth-related materials, which are essential to high-tech industries.
This latest escalation echoes the 2018 US-China trade war, when Trump repeatedly increased tariffs on Chinese goods, leading to retaliatory measures from Beijing. Economists warn that the renewed tit-for-tat actions could disrupt global markets, slow U.S. GDP growth, and heighten financial uncertainty. Analysts suggest China’s countermeasures are designed to pressure key US industries while maintaining domestic economic stability.
While the Trump administration insists the tariffs are a national security measure, Beijing has dismissed the claims, accusing Washington of violating World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. Experts caution that the growing rift between the two economic giants could have long-term consequences for global trade dynamics.
