China Announces Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods

Feb. 4, 2025
By: Chaney A. Finn

Following President Trump’s announcement of (additional) 10% tariffs on Chinese goods, China has retaliated with tariffs on U.S. exports to China. Specifically, China’s Ministry of Finance reportedly announced countermeasures of a 15% tariff on liquefied natural gas and coal, and a 10% tariff on crude oil, pickup trucks, agricultural machinery and large-displacement cars. 

As way of background, the most recent tariffs imposed by President Trump are justified by an emergency declared in the United States related to imports of illegal narcotics, particularly fentanyl. The precursors for fentanyl are often manufactured in China and sent to Mexico to be manufactured and smuggled into the U.S. according to the United States government.

China’s Ministry of Commerce also announced export controls on several critical elements, including tellurium, bismuth, tungsten, indium and molybdenum. This continues Chinas restriction of critical minerals to the U.S. that are used primarily in the manufacturing of semiconductors, raising economic and national security implications. Antitrust investigations are also being conducted on search engine giant, Google, despite not operating in China.

Should you have any questions regarding tariffs or any other trade-related questions, do not hesitate to contact any attorney at Barnes, Richardson & Colburn, LLP.