China Sets 34% Tariff on US Products, Files WTO Complaint

China initiated a dispute settlement case at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in response to the United States of America's decision to impose tariffs on Chinese goods. The second-largest global economy says US tariffs harm Chinese interests and undermine worldwide trade and supply chains.

The Ministry of Finance of the People's Republic of China released a statement detailing the implementation of retaliatory tariffs. These tariffs, set at 34%, apply to all goods imported from the United States, effective April 10, 2025. A provision excludes goods that depart before this time and arrive between April 10 and May 13, 2025.

The Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China also stated that the United States' action violates WTO rules. The ministry asserts that the tariffs negatively affect the rights and interests of WTO members and disrupt the multilateral trade system. “It is a typical act of unilateral bullying that endangers the stability of the global economic and trade order. China firmly opposes this,” reads the ministry’s release.

Both ministries indicated that the Chinese government maintains that the United States' action is unilateral and disrupts global economic stability. Chinese authorities urge the United States to retract the tariff measures and resolve trade disputes through consultation.