New Delhi: The United States has announced a series of hefty tariffs, reaching as high as 245%, on various Chinese imports, including syringes, lithium-ion batteries, squid, and wool sweaters, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing trade dispute between the two nations.
This move follows a late Tuesday confirmation from the White House, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s executive order that launches an investigation into the national security risks posed by the US’s dependence on imported critical minerals. The executive order mandates the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, a law previously invoked by the Trump administration to review imports of steel, aluminum, and copper.
Although the order does not explicitly mention China, the country remains a dominant global supplier of 30 out of 50 critical minerals, as identified by the US Geological Survey. This decision follows China’s earlier move on April 4, imposing export restrictions on seven rare earth elements and magnets crucial to sectors such as defense, automotive, and energy in the US.
In retaliation, China has introduced tariffs of up to 125% on US imports, further escalating the back-and-forth trade measures. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt quoted President Trump saying, “The ball is in China’s court” and emphasized that “China needs to make a deal with us, we don’t have to make a deal with them.”
China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the US approach, with Spokesperson Lin Jian stating that “constructive talks require mutual respect and equality” and urged the US to cease exerting “maximum pressure” if it wishes for genuine negotiations.
In a related development, China’s Defence Ministry criticized Washington’s plans for a significant increase in defense spending in 2026. Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang called the rise in budget a reflection of the US’s “bellicose nature” and warned that “wanton use of force will not make America great again.”
To ease tensions with trade partners, President Trump announced a 90-day suspension of increased tariffs for 75 countries, including India, that are currently engaged in trade negotiations with the US.
On social media, Trump reiterated his stance, stating on Truth Social, “At some point, China will realize that the days of ripping off the US and other countries are over.”
