China stands firm on tariff countermeasures over US fentanyl dispute

China has confirmed that it is maintaining countermeasures imposed in response to US tariffs introduced under the pretext of combating fentanyl, a move Beijing continues to denounce as unjustified.

Speaking at a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the US had unfairly used the fentanyl crisis as a rationale for trade restrictions targeting Chinese goods, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

“The US used fentanyl as a justification for imposing unjustified trade tariffs on Chinese goods. In response, China adopted both tariff and non-tariff countermeasures to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. These countermeasures remain in effect,” Lin said.  

On April 9, US President Donald Trump announced a 90-day suspension of additional import tariffs that had been imposed on several countries and territories on a reciprocal basis. According to the White House, the pause is intended to facilitate ongoing trade negotiations. During this period, a universal tariff of 10 per cent will apply across the board. At the same time, however, Trump raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 125 per cent.

When combined with the previously imposed 20 per cent tariff—introduced on the grounds that Canada, China, and Mexico were allegedly not doing enough to curb fentanyl smuggling into the US—the total tariff on Chinese goods reached 145 per cent. Bilateral trade and economic negotiations between the US and China took place in Switzerland from May 10 to 11. On May 12, both sides announced a mutual reduction of tariffs: Beijing agreed to lower duties on American goods to 10 per cent, while Washington committed to reducing tariffs on Chinese imports to 30 per cent.

By Naila Huseynova