Pic: Adobe Stock
The tariffs will take effect from March 10, though goods already in transit will be exempt until April 12.
China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate interests and firmly opposes the US threat to impose additional tariffs on Chinese products under the pretext of the fentanyl issue, which is a ‘flimsy excuse’, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said soon after Washington prepared to impose an additional 10-per cent tariff on Chinese goods beginning March 4.
“We urge the US to stop being domineering and return to the right track of dialogue and cooperation at an early date,” Lin told a routine press conference.
The new US tariff follows a similar 10-per cent US tariff hike on Chinese goods in February. In response, China imposed additional tariffs on a range of US goods, including imported coal, liquefied natural gas, crude oil, agricultural machinery, large-displacement automobiles and pickup trucks, starting from February 10.
From March 4, the US has raised tariffs on all imports from China and Hong Kong to 20 per cent, doubling the previous rate of 10 per cent introduced in February. The removal of the De Minimis Exemption remains in effect, ensuring that all goods, regardless of their value, are subject to the tariff. The revised tariff policy applies to all shipments that have not yet cleared customs.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)