China mirrors Trump’s tariffs by slapping 34% tariff on US goods

Chinese authorities have decided to impose tariffs of 34% on goods from the United States. This was done in response to a similar move by the United States, which was announced earlier this week by American President Donald Trump. The new Chinese tariffs will take effect on April 10, one day after the American ones go into effect.

Image source: Ricardo / Unsplash

In addition, China has banned 11 American companies from trading in the country and imposed new restrictions on the export of rare earth minerals. China has also filed a lawsuit against the United States in the World Trade Organization and launched an investigation into the import of American medical equipment.

In a statement, China’s Finance Ministry said the US tariffs on Chinese goods “seriously undermine China’s legitimate rights and interests.” The ministry also called the US government’s actions “a typical unilateral bullying practice.”

Earlier this week, Trump announced tariff increases on imports from dozens of countries. In China’s case, the 34% hike comes after the U.S. had already raised tariffs by 10% twice. As a result, tariffs on Chinese imports now stand at 54%.

«China calls on the US to immediately lift its unilateral measures and resolve trade differences through consultations on an equal, respectful and mutually beneficial basis,” the Chinese Ministry of Finance said in a statement.

Against this backdrop, Chinese authorities have imposed strict restrictions on the export of certain rare earth minerals. These elements are rarely mined outside of China, but are essential for the production of electric vehicles, weapons, and other products.

In addition, an investigation has been launched into the export of X-ray tubes from the US and India amid allegations of dumping – selling goods at below-domestic prices, which harms local industries.

China also banned 11 US companies accused of “military and technological cooperation with Taiwan” from importing, exporting, or investing in China. All were placed on China’s “Unreliable Entities List,” which mostly includes drone and defense companies.

One such company is Skydio, which previously produced consumer drones but has been fully focused on the corporate segment since 2023.