China urges US to lift tariffs, calls for dialogue to resolve trade disputes

China has called on the US to immediately remove its unilateral tariff measures, emphasizing the importance of resolving trade disputes through dialogue.

China’s commerce ministry said that it would take “necessary measures to resolutely safeguard legitimate rights and interests” without specifying what they may be, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

“There are no winners in trade wars, and there is no way out for protectionism,” the ministry said.

China’s foreign ministry sharply criticized the US for what it described as “bullying” tactics in response to the Trump administration’s recent tariff measures. 

The ministry emphasized that other countries, too, were opposed to the new policies imposed by Washington. 

Despite the strong words from the ministry, official state media in China have been relatively muted in their coverage of the issue. Exports play a significant role in China’s economy, contributing roughly 20 per cent to its GDP in 2024. 

In December, as exporters rushed to get their goods shipped before anticipated tariff hikes, exports to the US surged by nearly 16 per cent. This last-minute push reflects the urgency that Chinese businesses felt to avoid the expected duties, which they had been bracing for.

However, many of China’s key export sectors, including electric vehicles and solar panels, are already facing significant barriers to entry in the US market. Previous rounds of tariffs—some of which were enacted under the Biden administration—have effectively blocked these products from the US, limiting China’s ability to compete in these lucrative markets.

On April 2, the White House announced broad new tariffs on all imports to the US. Chinese products, already facing a 20 per cent tariff, will now be hit with an extra 34 per cent, raising the total tariff to 54 per cent. This additional tax, part of Donald Trump’s series of “reciprocal tariffs” aimed at specific nations, will go into effect on April 9.

By Naila Huseynova